Past Chief and Past Commissioner Everett "Buck" Robert Bowers of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department is laid to rest.

On January 12, 2020, Everett “Buck” Robert Bowers, loving husband and father of four passed away at the age of 85 in Palm Coast, Florida.

Buck was born on April 25, 1934 in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York to Everett William Bowers and Florence Stephens Bowers. Buck was an active member of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department starting in 1952. He was Fire Chief from 1962-1966; Commissioner from 1966-1970; and a Suffolk County Deputy Fire Coordinator from 1966-1970. Buck then moved to upstate New York in 1970, where he settled and raised his family in South Cairo, New York. Buck was a builder by trade and ran a successful business for 30 years until his retirement in 1991.

After his retirement in 1991, Buck moved to Perry, Florida, where he continued his passion for hunting, by raising, training and running his foxhounds. In 2002, Buck relocated to Palm Coast, Florida, to be closer to his family. This is where he spent the rest of his retirement. While in Palm Coast, Buck followed his other passion for motorcycles. He was a chartered member of the Red Nights Motorcycle Club, and enjoyed his rides with his family and friends.

Buck was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Florence and by his son, Everett William (Billy) Bowers and grandson, Austin Ray. Buck is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Maureen, his three children, Lauri (Jimbo) Rumph, Robert (Faith) Bowers, and Valerie Bennett, grandchildren, Michael, Jesse, Jayme, Courtney, Bryan, Brandee, and Skylar and 11 great grandchildren. Buck is also survived by his siblings, Betty Limov, Arnold, Jerry, and Alan Bowers. Buck was a loving, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Viewing services were held at Maloney Lake Funeral Home in Ronkonkoma on Friday, January 17, 2020 with a firematic service at 8 pm. The funeral service was held on January 18, 2020, at 10:00 am. Interment followed at Ronkonkoma Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Buck’s memory can be made to the FASNY Fireman’s Home, 125 Harry Howard Avenue, Attention: Activities, Hudson, NY 12534.