Thomas "T.J." Bowden

Thomas “T.J.” Bowden, 75, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at Crouse Hospital on Monday.

A lifelong resident of the Camillus area, Tom was a 1969 graduate of Corcoran High School and went on to earn his associate degree from OCC. He began a career with Niagara Mohawk in 1980 as a construction engineer. An industry expert, Tom managed large construction projects at more than 85 hydroelectric plants all over the country. He retired from Brookfield Power but continued consulting through 2024.

Tom was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church and lived his life grounded in faith and family. He found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—good food, time spent with loved ones, and the joy found in everyday moments. A skilled woodworker, golfer, and gardener, Tom was an overall handyman who could fix just about anything. He also loved traveling with his daughters to New Orleans. Known for his culinary skill and impeccable restaurant recommendations from around the world, Tom delighted in cooking for those he loved. He also loved attending the annual World of Concrete Trade Show in Las Vegas and trying his luck at the casino.

Above all, Tom cherished time spent with his family. He never missed a game, concert, or event involving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—whether it was hockey, volleyball, or Little League baseball, he was always their biggest supporter.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Santosh Kumar, the staff at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, and the dedicated teams in the Crouse ER and on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors, as well as to all family and friends for their endless thoughts, prayers, and support.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Helen; brother, John; and beloved dog, RubyLu.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Nancy, the love of his life, whom he proposed to on their second date; daughters, Sara (Robert) Cunningham, Kathleen Bowden, and Maureen (Jerome) Robinson; grandchildren, Jake (Sam) Bowden, Jacqueline (James Foley) Allen, Alex Mantaro-Robinson, Gabriel Robinson, and Sean and Maegan Cunningham; great-grandchildren, Clay, Sawyer, and Bryce Bowden; sister, Margaret (Jim) Wolf; several nieces, nephews, and cousins including those of Freshford, Co. Kilkenny; and his beloved dog, Alexander.

To celebrate Tom’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

Tom will be laid to rest in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Cir., Syracuse, NY 13210.