Gregory Max Stowell

Celebration of Life: Friends and family are joining to celebrate Greg’s life on Sat. March 15, 2025 at Espresso 77. Another celebration will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025 in the afternoon. Details will follow on facebook.

Greg remained single during his adult life. He grew up in Olathe, KS. His parents Max and Jean Stowell had 3 other children. In junior high, Greg was required to take an art elective, film photography and all its black and white aspects. It became a Lifetime Passion. In 1974, he moved to Villa Ridge, MO with his parents and helped them run an RV campground.

Greg attended college at University Missouri Rolla; BS-Mechanical Engineering 1985, Master’s Mechanical Engineering 1987. He understood the mechanics of the camera and said “it’s like another eye to me.” After finishing his studies he enjoyed doing field work in Italy for about 6 weeks. Greg was quite the globetrotter. His travels included Italy, Japan, Indonesia, much of the US, and an Alaskan Cruise. He even climbed Machu Picchu in Peru with friends.

After working as an engineer, Greg’s love of photography led him to open his own frame shop and art gallery. Greg traveled to Woodside in Queens NY after closing his frame shop and started a job with Best Buy. For 26 years he worked in the GEEK Squad installing home theatre systems in homes and businesses and learned to ‘get around’ in Manhattan and Queens New York.

He loved to share special times with family and friends. He returned to Missouri and Kansas many times as the years went by to be a part of his family's special occasions and celebrations. His niece, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and great great nephew were His Kids. He developed a Family of Friends in Jackson Heights and Queens. He loved to share fellowship with them and supported his friends in their art as well. He was the Encourager to all he knew.

Showing his art at shows were his Happy Days. He could have conversations with others about the joy of black and white film photography. Many venues including coffee shops, specialty bakeries, cafes, restaurants, diners, schools, banks, museums, and art galleries displayed his photography through the years. He enjoyed participating in a Jackson Heights outdoor show “On the Fence” many times over the years.

Street photography was Greg’s ‘style’. He focused on streetscapes that everyone could identify with.

He was very involved in the Annual Queens World Film Festival since it was founded in 2010. Greg served the festival in many capacities including Venue Manager, Event Manager and Event Photographer. He was a member of the Organization of Independent Artists.

Many of us looked forward to Greg’s annual Peace Christmas Card. This tradition was a hallmark of Greg’s love of art, photography, friendship and peace. This year’s theme, “Finding Peace” is a gift to those of us Greg leaves behind. We will remember his love of life, positive outlook, creative genius and generous spirit. “Find Peace” was the theme of Greg’s 2024 Christmas card. He has found lasting Peace. We will all miss him everyday.

He was preceded in death by his parents Max and Jean Stowell, his brother Bill Stowell. He is survived by his sister Betty Jane Krueger and her husband Warren Krueger, his brother Fran Stowell and his wife, Barb Stowell, and his beloved niece, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great great nephew.