Rodney B. Bower Sr.

July 26, 1939 - January 13, 2019

Rodney Brian Bower, Sr., of Claverack, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2019, under the care of Community Hospice at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Born in Hudson, NY on July 26, 1939 to Edward P. Bower Sr. and Margaret Aldridge Bower, Rod was a lifelong resident of Columbia County. He attended St. Mary’s School and was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Hudson, NY. Rod was a retired NYS Thruway Supervisor, earning awards for innovation in bridge designs. He had also previously worked for Foster Refrigerator Service, along with being a former member of the Greenport Volunteer Fire Department. In his youth, he spent time at Lebanon Valley Speedway and had a lifelong love of NASCAR. Rod never passed a yard sale, flea market or auction without stopping and was known for his daily jaunts to buy lottery tickets. Rod is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ellen Louise Banks Bower; his daughter Mary E. Forbes (John); Rod Bower, Jr. (Darlene); and grandson, Evan Bickford. Rod is also survived by his feline companions, Bootsie, Spooky and Dexter. He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his siblings, Edward P. Bower, Jr., Glendon Bower, Sr., Yvonne Bower, Gerald Bower, Margaret Baumfeld, Joyce Friers, and Nancy Bower. Funeral services will be held privately. Rod will be buried at Cedar Park Cemetery in Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Columbia Greene Humane Society or the Community Hospice. The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Community Hospice, as well as the EMTs and hospital staff in the ER, 4th floor and 2A.