CDR Patrick D. Bowe, 73, of Lebanon, PA, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon. He was the beloved husband of Georgine E. (Semko) Bowe, with whom he would have celebrated 51 years of marriage on Sept. 27, 2025.
Born on Jan. 11, 1952, in Paterson, New Jersey, Patrick was the son of the late James and Winifred (Ward) Bowe. Patrick graduated from Passaic Valley High School in 1970 and earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Kutztown University in 1974. He went on to receive two master’s degrees from Pennsylvania State University—one in the administration of higher education and the other in training and organizational development.
A proud and dedicated Naval Officer, Patrick served for 22 years and retired with the rank of Commander in 2004. As a member of the Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) program, he played a vital role in supporting Naval Reserve operations across the country. While on active duty, he served aboard several ships, including the USS La Moure County (LST-1194), USS Frederick, USS WASP (LHD-1), and USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41). As Operations Officer aboard the USS Frederick (LST-1184), he made significant contributions during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield. His naval career took him around the world and to many homes across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and California.
Patrick’s passion for education began early and continued throughout his life. Following in his father’s footsteps, he started his teaching career at Sussex County Vo Tech in Sparta, NJ, and later taught at Newton High School in Newton, NJ. After retiring from the Navy, he returned to education as principal of Good Shepherd Elementary in Camp Hill, PA. Coaching was another of Patrick’s true passions—he joyfully dedicated countless hours mentoring young athletes on the football and softball fields.
A man of deep faith and service, Patrick was a devoted member of Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church in Myerstown. He was also actively involved in several organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. He found joy in many hobbies—cheering on Penn State and Philadelphia sports teams, golfing, traveling, camping, and most of all, spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Georgine, Patrick is survived by his daughters, Coleen, wife of Brian Martone, of Mantua, NJ, Erin Bowe, companion of Jeffrey Simmons, of Myerstown, and Aine, wife of Joshua Wright, of Montoursville. He was a devoted grandfather to Braeden, Addisyn, Eliana, Avery, Ashton, and Zoe. He is also survived by his sister, Maura Bowe Lincoln, of West Caldwell, NJ; and brothers, Kieran, husband of Susan Bowe, of Vero Beach, FL, and Sean, husband of Stacey Bowe, of Old Tappan, NJ. Patrick shared a special lifelong bond with his close cousin, John Bowe, of Jim Thorpe, PA, and is fondly remembered by many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church, 188 W. McKinley Ave., Myerstown. A visitation will be held at the church prior to the Mass, beginning at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
