Floyd "Bud" Bowlby

Floyd Edward “Bud” Bowlby, age 98 died Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in Newtown, CT. He was the husband of the late Eleanor (Karl) Bowlby.

He was Born August 10, 1923, son of the late Charles Edward and Carrie (Forespring) Bowlby. Bud was born at home in New Centerville, PA. When the doctor came to check on him and his mother, he either failed to ask or couldn’t remember the baby’s name. Bud’s birth was registered in PA state records as Earl George, not Floyd Edward.  Earl George was the name of the doctor.  This was corrected years later when Bud needed a passport.

In 1942, when Bud was not of age, he wanted to serve his country in WWII. He finally convinced his mother to sign papers and he entered the US Navy in January 1943. He was sent to Noroton, CT to study radio science. This is where he met the love of his life, Eleanor, at a surprisingly fun church party.

Bud served in the Navy until April 1946 and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, 2nd Class. He became part of the OSS, the predecessor of the CIA. He wore many uniforms and was assigned to Europe and traveled to China to decode radio signals.

After an honorable discharge, which earned Bud a number of ribbons and medals, he joined Pitney Bowes. In his 42-year career his positions included Foreman and Director of Quality Assurance.  He and Eleanor raised 3 children in Stamford, and he participated actively in Zion Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church and other organizations.

Floyd and Eleanor moved to Norwalk, CT in 1991, where he served on the Board of Foxboro Condominium. In 2004 they moved to Danbury, CT. In 2011 they celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage before Eleanor passed.

Bud was most recently a resident of Maplewood at Newtown, where he was loved by all his wonderful caretakers for almost a year. He always said thank you to his aides and he truly appreciated all they did for him.

He is survived by his son: Donald F. Bowlby (Susan) of West Chester PA; daughter: Doris E. Bowlby Panzica (James Panzica); Grandsons: Donald F. Bowlby, Jr. (Jill) of Middletown, DE; Charles F. Bowlby, Jr of New Haven, CT and Jeffrey D. Bowlby (Nicole) of Phoenixville, PA;

also 7 great grandchildren: Danielle, Timothy, Adam, Emily, Jonathan, Lauren and Christopher

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his son: Charles F. Bowlby; brothers: Jay Bowlby and Willard F. Bowlby, sister: Betty Hostetler.

A graveside service will be held at Fairfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Stamford, CT, Saturday at 11:30 AM. There are no calling hours. Hull Funeral Service, Danbury is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of individual choice

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