The Rev. Joseph D. Bowen, 83

The Rev. Joseph D. Bowen, 83, pastor emeritus at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Abington, died of a heart attack Sunday, Nov. 17, at St. Mary Manor in Lansdale.

In September 1989, he was appointed the church's pastor and served 16 years before becoming pastor emeritus in June 2005. During his tenure, he worked to build an addition to the parish elementary school, and when finished, it was named in his honor.

"He enjoyed interacting with his flock," said his brother, Paul.

Father Bowen had planned to help out at the church in retirement, but a stroke in 2004 made that impossible. Despite health problems, he always officiated at family functions such as weddings, confirmations, and funerals.

"He was devoted to his siblings and nephews and nieces," his brother said.

He loved to travel and made it to Europe, Hawaii, and Mexico before ill health intervened. He also enjoyed spending time in Longport, N.J.

Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from Roman Catholic High School and then entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood. He was ordained May 11, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Church.

At the time of his death, he was planning a reunion for his ordination class. "He was looking to the future and wanted to spend time with his colleagues," his brother said.

Father Bowen served as parochial vicar at St. Elizabeth Parish in Pen Argyl, Pa.; St. Nicholas Parish in Weatherly, Pa.; St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Reading, and Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Chester.

He also was vicar at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Norristown; St. Albert the Great Parish in Huntingdon Valley; St. Laurence Parish in Upper Darby; Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Southampton; and St. Anselm Parish in Philadelphia.

He was chaplain at Archbishop Wood High School for Girls and later, Archbishop Ryan Girls' High School.

Father Bowen served as pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Levittown from 1985 through 1989.

Besides his brother, he is survived by a sister; two brothers; and nieces and nephews.

Services were Friday, Nov. 22.

Contributions may be made to Our Lady Help of Christians Church Memorial Fund, 1500 Marian Rd., Abington, Pa. 19001.