Harry E. Bowser

Harry E. Bowser passed away peacefully on Feb 22, 2024, at Parkside North East (PA) at
the age of 92.
Harry was born to Elizabeth Bowser on September 13, 1931, in Coolspring PA. He was
predeceased by his wife and partner in life Carol Lee (MacTarnaghan). Together they
raised three sons, Timothy, Dennis, and Andrew in North East.
Harry’s life was a true embodiment of the American Dream. Born into the Great
Depression, he overcame a hard scrabble childhood to achieve an impressive array of
accomplishments in his life.
Harry joined the United States Marine Corps right out of high school. Becoming a US
Marine shaped the rest of his life and was an affiliation he honored and carried proudly
to the end. After his discharge from the Marines in 1952 Harry landed in North East,
where he established his barbering business and became a leader in the community. It
was at this time that he met the love of his life Carol, and they married in 1955. They
were an inseparable team that succeeded in many ventures of family, business, real
estate, politics, and community.
In 1972, Harry having tired somewhat of trimming heads, the Bowsers bought a 65-acre
grape farm so that Harry could try his hand at trimming grapes. Short on farming
experience but long on the endless and tireless work ethic that was his trademark in life,
Harry transformed an aging operation into a modernized and successful farming
business, providing a solid life and education for his family.
In 1978, having been ‘drafted’ by community members to run for the PA House of
Representatives, Harry - short on political experience, but long on hutzpah- ran head
long against the political machine and won the election. He served in the House for 10
years.
After his political run, and having sold the farm, Harry and Carol moved ‘back to town’
and built the house of their dreams where they held countless gatherings of family and
friends and launched a myriad of worldwide travels.
Harry is survived by his sons Timothy Bowser, Dennis and his wife Carmen Bowser,
Andrew Bowser, his grandsons Sherard and Lamar Bowser, and his very dear
companion, Josephine Ganzer
A Celebration of Harry Bowser sometime in the spring/summer will be announced by
the family Funeral arrangements are under the care of the W. Tad Bowers Funeral Home. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harry E. Bowser, please visit our floral store.