Thomas "Tom" P. Bowen

Thomas (Tom) Paul Bowen passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton, MA after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 81 years old. Born on April 3, 1945, the youngest of 9 siblings, in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. Tom lived a full life marked by love, kindness, and a remarkable ability to make ordinary moments feel like something worth laughing about. He was the kind of man who could walk into a room and, without trying too hard, make people feel comfortable, seen, and just a little more cheerful than they were a minute before.

Tom was the beloved husband of Lisa Sarno-Bowen, of Canton,  and together they built a loving partnership, the kind of everyday companionship that makes a home feel like home. He was a proud father to his son, Thomas (TJ) Louis James Bowen, of Westwood, MA. He is lovingly remembered by his former wife Geraldine Bowen and their daughter, Dr. Carrie Ann Bowen, of Uxbridge, MA. Every day, he carried the memory of their second daughter, Heather Ann Bowen, in his heart. Family was the center of Tom’s world and he is survived by many wonderful In-Laws,  nieces and nephews, and long time friends.  He loved spending time with each and everyone.  He showed that love in all the ways that mattered most, through his steady presence, his quick wit, and his ability to be both a source of strength and laughter. Those moments were often filled with stories, teasing, and the kind of jokes that got repeated for years afterward.

Tom graduated from Mission High School, and he carried that sense of discipline and determination into his military and professional life.  A Vietnam Veteran, Tom enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 as an Airman in the 901 Military Airlift Group. After spending four years traveling all over the world, Tom joined New England Telephone Corporation, the start of his 36 years in the Telecommunications industry culminating as Vice President of Network Operations at American Mobile Satellite Corporation, where he was respected for his leadership, his reliability, and his sharp intellect. 

He was a Christian, and his Catholic faith was an important part of his life. It shaped the way he treated others, with kindness, patience, and a sense of grace that never felt forced. Tom understood that life could be serious, but he also understood that life was a lot easier to carry when you could find something to laugh about along the way. That gift served him well, especially because he had a personality that was loving, kind, and funny in equal measure. He was the sort of man who could make a simple conversation memorable, not because he needed to be the loudest voice in the room, but because he knew how to land the right line at the right time. His timing was perfection. 

Tom was also a devoted fan of his beloved New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He followed them with all the passion and optimism of a man who knew that hope was part of the deal. Tom was a huge dog lover and was cherished by his loyal bulldogs Kiely and Precious. 

He leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly, a community that benefited from his presence, his spirit, and the unmistakable way he made life a little lighter. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy remains in the stories told at family gatherings, in the laughter he inspired, in the values he passed down, and in the countless moments made better because he was there.

The family will always be deeply grateful for the loving care and kindness he received from the many Doctors, Nurses, Therapists, Assisted Living professionals,  Technicians, and Aides that helped him live a fuller, active life. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Dockray and Thomas Funeral Home on 455 Washington Street n Canton, MA. Visitation will be, on Thursday, April 23rd  from 4:00pm to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held on, Friday, April 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Margaret Mary Church in Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at http://give.michaeljfox.org

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