Obituary of Donald E. Mowrey

Donald E. Mowrey of Warner Road, Titusville, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning, January 6, 2017. Don was born in Punxsutawney, PA, a son of the late Kenneth and Ruth Morgan Mowrey. He was married to Nancy Shafer on August 25, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Titusville. Don was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and Indiana State Teachers College (now IUP). He earned his Master of Science degree in music education from Ithaca College, Ithaca, New York. He briefly worked as a music teacher at Bellwood Antis high school and had been employed at the Titusville Area School District as music department chair until his retirement in 1996, after 38 years of teaching. He directed decades of THS musicals and led the high school Rockettes for many years. Don was a talented vocalist and bass soloist at numerous weddings, productions, and special events. He took part in various vocal ensembles as well. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he was an ordained Elder and Director of Music for over 40 years. He was a former member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association; a member of the B.P.O. Elks No. 263; and a social member of the Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW. Don was an avid outdoorsman. Affectionately known as Papa Bear by many, he enjoyed traveling near and far, and to sporting events involving his children and grandchildren. He especially treasured the yearly fishing trip to Black Lake, New York that he “captained” with the Mowrey Men and a few dear friends. He was also a fervent fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and enjoyed most spending time with his family. In the grand scheme of Don’s life he never missed a chance to celebrate anything, anywhere with the people he loved. Don is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Titusville ; the following children, Jennifer Hill and husband, Shawn, of Stanardsville, VA; Eric Mowrey and wife, Kristi, of Titusville; Gwendolynne Novak and husband, Jeffrey, of Midlothian, VA; Matthew Mowrey and wife, Beth, of Hanover, PA; Megan Marr and husband, James, of Virginia Beach, VA; Jessica Roed and husband, Per, of Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Gretchen Tunnicliffe and husband, Dani, of St. Augustine, FL; and Samuel Mowrey and wife, Christine, of Sharon, PA. He was Papa to 18 grandchildren: Rachel and Adam Hill; Aaron and Owen Mowrey; Jacob, Wyatt and Colten Novak; Kate and Kevin Mowrey; Tyler and Tate Marr; Thea, Elias and Nora Roed; Maisie and Dillon Tunnicliffe; and Luciano and Marina Tomasello. He was Uncle Don to several special nieces and nephews. Despite the geographical challenges, the family gathers annually for Mowrey Week/Weekend. Don joyfully presided over the festivities. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by three brothers; Paul M. Mowrey, Kenneth E. Mowrey, and Leland “Lee” Mowrey. No public viewing will be observed. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 11th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, at which time a memorial service will be conducted with the Rev. Norma Prina Murphy officiating. The family asks that memorials be made to the Leland C. Mowrey Science Scholarship fund in care of Titusville Area School District, 301 E. Spruce St, Titusville, PA 16354.