Russell L. Bowe Sr.

Russell Leonard Bowe Sr., 91, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Early Life

Russell Leonard Bowe Sr. was born on July 3, 1933, in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the 9th born child out of 11, born to Dolly Mae (Arnold) Bowe and Robert James Bowe. The family relocated from Virginia, where they were farmers, to Pittsburgh for industry opportunities. There were four Bowe Brothers who started out raising their family on Finance St in the Homewood District of Pittsburgh.

Education and Military Service

Russell was educated through the Pittsburgh Public School System where he attended Homewood Elementary School and graduated Westinghouse High School in 1952. Following high school, he worked as a seat cover installer at Wearbest Auto Seat Cover Company. In May 1953, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Russell’s intelligence and strengths contributed to him receiving leadership training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Career

Upon returning to Pittsburgh, Russell joined the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a letter carrier for 34 years, in the Homewood-Brushton and Point Breeze communities. His friendly demeanor made him a beloved figure, his whistling or singing brightening the day. It can be said that even the dogs liked Mr. Bowe, as you could often find one following him home.

Family and Community Involvement

In 1958, Russell married Vernelle Joyce Jefferson, and together they had three children: Russell Jr., Sheila, and Michelle. Outside of his family, singing was his first love and after all he was born into it. He began singing as a part of the Bowe Family Gospel Singers where his mother was the director and his father, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins were all part of the group. The group traveled in and around Pittsburgh as well as to other states. Russell went on to form a quartet with his old brothers Clarence, Albert, and Hugh. They sang doo-wop, harmonizing for local events including proms. Russell was deeply involved in his community, participating in various singing groups, including The African American Male Chorus, The Vintage Voices, The Vintage Twilighters, and the Baptist Temple Male Choir. His passion for music led him to win the Allegheny County Celebration Idol in 2011, recording his rendition of "My Girl." An avid bowler, he competed in numerous leagues and traveled for tournaments, often turning these trips into family vacations. His love for sports extended to participating in the City Parks and Recreation Senior Olympics from 2003 to 2015, earning more than 30 medals. Russell was a jack of all trade and used his talents to help his family and his friends/neighbors. Russell was devoted to his family never missing life events or an opportunity to support his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren.

Faith and Service

Russell accepted Christ at an early age, influenced by his mother, an evangelist and a long-standing member of Baptist Temple Church, which was the family church. His wife was also a long-standing member until her death in 2002. Russell rejoined Baptist Temple in the early 2000’s. He was an active devoted member, volunteering for different events and serving on the usher board and choir. Even during his last days, he was a faithful on-line viewer.

Legacy

Russell was the last surviving child of Robert and Dolly Bowe. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vernelle; and siblings: Pauline, Robert aka Jeff(Geraldine), Margaret (Bill), Clarence, Albert, Inez aka Itchy, Hughes (Lois), Dorothy, Claude, and Charles (Sharon). He is survived by his children: Russell Jr., Sheila Turner (Jerome), and Michelle Bowe (Pritchett); grandchildren: Justin Turner (Stevvaie), Jamal Tullis (Marquita), Jevon Rushton, Antoine Bowe (Jennifer), Jaleesa Bowe, Jaya Bowe, Lauren Pritchett, Monte Brandon Pritchett, Jarren Pritchett, and Joshua Bowe; and great-grandchildren: Ja'Myah, Mikha, Nate, Ava, Jonn, Adrian, Jayden, Jalen, and Monroe.; 3 Sister-n-laws: Geraldine Bowe, Clarine Jefferson and Elaine Bowe; Special Friend: June Green

Russell's unwavering devotion to his family, community, and faith leaves an enduring legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him. He will truly be missed by all!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Russell L. Bowe Sr., please visit our floral store.