Robert Henry Lowry

1924 -2015

BATAVIA - Robert Henry Lowry, 91, died peacefully Sunday (Dec. 6, 2015) at the New York State Veterans' Home, Batavia.

He was born March 10, 1924, in Ellicottville, a son of the late Henry and Winifred Christena Quinn Lowry.

He attended Ellicottville Central School and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1942, training as a flight mechanic and where he also learned to fly. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of sergeant.

He married the love of his life, Marjorie Joan Sidor, on June 10, 1950. They went on to raise 10 children and watched with joy as each of the grandchildren arrived. Many happy family get-togethers took place at their home throughout the years. The door was always open to family and friends, and there were always extra seats at the dinner table. Bob and Marge were happily married for 54 years until her death in 2004.

Bob worked for many years in manufacturing management and sales. He was a natural-born salesman. As an avid photographer, one of his favorite jobs was working in the camera department at Blumenthal's in Olean. He took hundreds of pictures of family and friends. An annual Christmas picture captured the love and closeness of his ever-growing family and reflected the pride Marge and Bob had for their children. He also photographed many area weddings.

His lifelong interest in aviation and a passion for flying led to owning his own small plane. He greatly enjoyed taking his children for rides and lessons.

He was a member of Holy Name of Mary Church in Ellicottville and served for many years as an usher and later as a lector.

He is survived by 10 children, Denise (Donald) Peyser, Karen (James) Dills, Danette (David) Grayson, Jamie (Germain) Scharf, Christina (Brad) Whitcomb, Jodie (Michael) Timkey, Daniel (Amy Miller) Lowry, Thomas Lowry, Michael (Laura Fiorella) Lowry and Mary (Gregg) Gifford; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel William Lowry; and a sister, Marion Lowry House.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Mentley Funeral Home in Little Valley. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday (Dec. 11, 2015) at Holy Name of Mary Church in Ellicottville with Father Ron Mierzwa officiating

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ellicottville Memorial Library or Ellicottville Ambulance Service.