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Conway Funeral Home
OBITUARY

Eric Jacob Bowen

December 15, 1939 – January 18, 2021

Eric Jacob Bowen, 81, passed away at 4:20 pm EST on January 18, 2021, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City, due to complications from COVID-19.

Eric was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on December 15, 1939. His early life, much like his later life, was filled with mischief and fun, laughter and joy, good times that served to provide him with years of warm, happy memories. These were shared with his family, and especially his siblings, whom he loved dearly.

In September 1964, Eric wedded Elizabeth Lester in an arranged marriage. The couple had four children, and Eric and Elizabeth struggled to make a good life for their family. In the 1980s, in an effort to better their fortunes, they decided to immigrate to the United States, settling in New York City. Shortly after their arrival in Manhattan, however, their daughter, Jacqueline, tragically died at age 24 from brain cancer. It was a devastating blow, but the family persevered and, over time, was able to succeed in their adopted country.

Eric got a job as an air conditioning mechanic at Columbia University, where during his 22-plus years he befriended many people and touched many lives. He retired in 2011, opting to travel the world and dedicate his time to those he loved so much. He visited family and friends everywhere, roaming to Australia, Pakistan, Germany, Canada, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Trinidad, St. Maarten, Italy and Norway. Eric had a passion for travel, and an equal passion for food. Vacations with family were his biggest source of joy, however. The only thing he loved more was to see everyone happy.

Eric is survived by his wife Elizabeth and their three children: Ivan, Jasmine and Andric.

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  • Reposing

    Friday, January 22, 2021

  • Mass of Christian Burial

    Friday, January 22, 2021

  • Laid to Rest

    Friday, January 22, 2021

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Eric Jacob Bowen

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Lunéy Sánchez-Tubis

February 3, 2021

I was sadden to hear of Eric’s passing. Although I did not know him personally, I will always remember his contagious - brilliant smile. He always greeted my family with such joy when walking around BG grounds. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Jessica Nuñez

February 1, 2021

My condolences to his loved ones. It is hard to think that I will not see him wave and smile from the bench anymore. He was so kind and friendly with his neighbors. He will be missed.

Amanda Vaughan

February 1, 2021

I met Mr Bowen years ago when he would walk his granddaughter to school (he would follow behind her since she was old enough to walk alone but he kept an eye on her). We would talk and he was always so kind and happy. He would always put a hand on my shoulder in church as he passed and I would do the same. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers and sympathy go out to his family.

Celia Odonnell

February 1, 2021

Like many at Boulevard Gardens, Mr. Bowen would brighten my day with his always sunny smile and greetings. I am so sorry for your loss.

Michael Fitzpatrick

February 1, 2021

So sorry to hear of Mr. Bowen's passing. He always had a big hello and a smile for my kids and I, every time we met on the grounds of our apartment complex. R.I.P.

María Giraldo

January 28, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Bowen family. It was always a pleasure to cross paths with Eric at the Boulevard Garden grounds. He would always greet you with a smile. His kindness and good humor will always be remembered.

Maria Cerretani

January 25, 2021

I am so sorry to hear about Eric's passing and extend my deepest condolences to the entire Bowen family. Eric was so kind to me when I first moved in down the hall a few years ago. I always looked forward to running into him and being greeted with that hearty hello. We often talked about where we had traveled to recently and he even brought me back a gift from his trip to St. Maarten, along with stories about the incredible descent onto the beachside runway. One Easter he showed up with a plate of incredible homemade food because I had told him earlier in the week that I wasn't going to be with my family. He clearly had a generosity of spirit and zest for life that will be truly missed by everyone whose path he crossed. 

Muhammad Khalid

January 24, 2021

Will Miss You Uncle Eric. May You Rest In Peace. AMEEN

Khalid c/o Jonathan

Ernest Bowen

January 23, 2021

Matthew Bhonsly

January 22, 2021

To me, Nana was perfect. He was there for my entire life, and he was a part of my daily routine. Every evening he never failed to call me just because he wanted to use the minutes on his cell phone. He was truly the most caring, sweet, and genuine man on the whole planet, and I believe that with all my heart. Nana is my role model, and he is my hero. His sense of humor was the best, and he didn’t even have to speak to crack a joke. Everyone who knows my Nana knew he could make the whole room light up and laugh with just a simple hand gesture. In fact, I don’t think anyone can say there was negative energy when he was in the room. The loss of nana was not only a loss to me, nor was it only a loss to the family, but it was a loss to the world. The lives that he had touched, the smiles he brought, the joy he carried. My nana was 1 in a trillion, and I know there’s no one out there quite like him. One thing is for sure though, he’s definitely up in heaven watching us and smiling, letting us know he’s happy with us and for us. He wouldn’t want tears or sadness, he’d want happiness and laughs. He was a man that everyone loved, and I loved him with all my heart, my Nana.

FROM THE FAMILY