Obituary of Br. Francis Bowers F.S.C.

Bowers, Brother Francis, FSC, Ph.D. a De La Salle Christian Brother for 71 years, died peacefully on 12/6/13 at the age of 93 while in hospice care at De La Salle Hall, a skilled nursing facility in Lincroft, NJ. Born in New York City on 5/4/1920, Br. Francis, after completing his primary and secondary education, attended evening courses at CCNY while working on Wall Street before entering the De La Salle Christian Brothers Novitiate, Barrytown, NY, in June 1942. Br. Francis earned a AB from Catholic University, Washington, DC, in 1946; a Masters in English from Fordham University [1952], and a Doctorate in English from Catholic University in 1960. Post –doctoral studies were done at Oxford, England. Br. Francis was a member Phi Beta Kappa and other prestigious honor societies and prominent professional organizations. Br. Francis taught English at De la Salle College, Washington, DC, before joining the faculty at Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY, as Assistant professor of English [1959-64]; Associate Professor [1964-1967], Department Chair for English and World Literature [1967-70], Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences [1970- 1980]; Provost [1980-1984] and Academic Advisor for Athletes [1988 until his retirement in 2004]. Even after his retirement student in the School of Arts. Br. Francis was predeceased by his parents, William L. & Catherine E. Callahan, and a brother, Francis, & sister, Patricia Canavan. He is survived by many loving nieces, nephews & his many dear friends among the faculty and staff at Manhattan College. While his appointments to Manhattan College covered 54 years, Br. Francis’ other assignments Included Ascension Elementary School, NYC [1946-48], St. Augustine HS, Brooklyn [1948-51] & St. Peter’s HS, Staten Island, NY [1951-53]. During his years in the high schools, Br. Francis distinguished himself as a track coach and became renowned in the CHSAA. There will be a viewing at Christian Brothers’ Residence, 4415 Post Road, Riverdale, NY on Tuesday, December 10th, 3-8 PM. There will also be a viewing at Manhattan College, 4413 Manhattan College Parkway, in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers at 9:15 AM, preceding the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. Interment will be in the Christian Brothers’ Plot at The Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the De La Salle Nursing Development Fund, 810 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738 will be appreciated. Arrangements in NY are being handled by Riverdale Funeral Home, Broadway & 214 Street, Inwood, NYC.