Obituary of Richard P. Tower

Richard P. "Dick" Tower, 91, of Youngstown, NY, died at his residence, December 24, 2011, under the loving care of his family. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, July 17, 1920 to the late George P. and Adelaide (Thomas) Tower, and had been a lifelong resident of the Town of Porter. A graduate of Youngstown High School in 1938, he then married Margaret I. (Truesdale) Tower on August 28, 1939, and together raised their family and also owned and operated the family fruit farm from 1946-2004. Dick also worked for Carborundum Co. as an Inspector and retired after 40 years of service. Dick served in the US Army during WW II with the Rainbow Division in Germany from 1944-1946. Dick's long-time love and passion was with the Masonic Lodge F & AM, both locally and state-wide. He was a member and Past Master of the Ransomville Masonic Lodge #551, a former member of the Niagara Commandery #64, Niagara Falls, and a Past District Deputy Grand Master in 1965. He served as High Priest in the Royal Arch Masons and received the Milenium Award Service for serving our nation in the military. Former member of the York Cross on Honorary Cryptic Masons of the State of New York, membering the A.M.O. Member of the Universal Craftsman Council of Engineers. Dick was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown and served as a Trustee, and was an ordained Elder and Deacon. He served as a Councilman for the Town of Porter for 20 years. Member of the Youngstown Historical Society; member of the PTA of the Lewiston-Porter School District and was active in the Ransomville Rural Retirees and the Youngstown & Lewiston Senior Citizens. Dick's biggest enjoyment was his family, and loved traveling, playing Euchre and Bridge and visiting with his many friends. In addition to his wife, Margaret, he is survived by three children, Richard (Helen, dec.) Tower of Lewiston, Thomas (Kate Koperski) Tower and Jan (Douglas) Howard, both of Youngstown; a brother, Roderick (late Elsie) Tower of Youngstown; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Doris Tower; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was predeceased by a daughter, Joan Gatrost and a brother, George Tower. Friends may call at the HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Rd., Ransomville, on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday (Dec. 29) at 11:00 AM from the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown, 100 Church St., Youngstown, NY, with Rev. Dr. Charles Lamb officiating. Burial to follow in Oakland Rural Cemetery, Youngstown. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown.