Robert Lee Lowry

Robert (Bob) Lee Lowry of San Jose, California, passed away on April 17, 2026, his 80th birthday. He was born on April 17, 1946, in Shelocta, Pennsylvania, and moved to the Bay Area in 1961. For the last 48 years, he and his wife, Frances, made their home together in the same house in San Jose, a place filled with family, friendship, and memories.

Bob attended Wilcox High School and went on to study at San José State University, where he was a proud member of the marching band. He later continued his studies while working in education, earning his Master’s in Education from Santa Clara University in 1979.

Bob began his career in education as a 7th grade teacher at Matheson Middle School in 1970. Over the next 30+ years, he went on to serve as principal at both Goss Elementary School and Fisher Middle School and later held district leadership roles as Assistant Superintendent for the Sunnyvale Elementary School District and Assistant Superintendent for the Campbell Union High School District. In recognition of his outstanding work and impact in the field, he was named California Educator of the Year in 1989, an honor presented by the Milken Family Foundation and the California Department of Education. In every role, he was known for his generous spirit, caring leadership, and deep commitment to students, teachers, and staff. He truly loved working with his students and believed in the potential of every child. He retired in 2003.

After retiring, Bob continued to give back to the profession he loved. He mentored new teachers, administrators, and principals through programs with San José State University, Santa Clara University, and UC Santa Cruz, sharing his experience and wisdom with the next generation of educators.

Bob’s faith was central to his life, and he was an active member of Stone Church of Willow Glen since 1989.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Frances Lowry; his son, Ryan Lowry, and daughter-in-law, Melissa Lowry; and his beloved granddaughters, Samantha (15) and Madeline (12) Lowry, whom he adored. One of his greatest joys was driving with Frances to San Francisco on Fridays to pick up Samantha and Madeline from school, turning those regular drives into treasured traditions full of conversation, laughter, and love.

Bob was the youngest of five siblings. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill and his sister Thelma, and is survived by his siblings Carol and Jim.

He will be remembered as generous, loving, and caring – a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend whose kindness and guidance touched many lives.

The family will share details about a memorial service in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or the Santa Clara University Catala Club.