Dean F. Mowers

Our beloved father, Dean Frank Mowers, 87, of Salisbury, New York passed away peacefully early Friday morning, May 5, 2023, in the comfort of his own home.

He was born on August 11, 1935 in Stratford, New York and was the son of the late, Frank and Louisa (Cool) Mowers. Dean grew up on his family farm where he developed his strong work ethic. When not in school or helping on the farm, he pursued his passions for hunting and fishing. He would continue to share these lifelong interests with his children and grandchildren.

He attended Stratford Central School and graduated with the Class of 1953. After graduation, Dean joined the United States Marine Corp. on December 3, 1953. He served during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. During his three year-tenure, he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on December 2, 1956.

Upon his return home from the military, Dean was united in marriage to Betty Jane Randall on May 11, 1957. They settled in Salisbury, New York where they raised their family, sharing their love and experience for life. Mrs. Mowers passed away on July 3, 1999.

Betty and Dean spent the next 42 years camping at various sites in Upstate New York, traveling to Florida, Virginia, Missouri, Georgia and Tennessee with family and friends. After Betty’s passing, Dean shared his love of family and friends with his special friend, Irma Crews for twenty-two years.

Dean held positions at North Hudson Woodcraft Company and the Town of Salisbury before his final employment with the State of New York, Department of Transportation. He was promoted to Road Crew Supervisor and was employed with them for 27 years, retiring in 1990 after a solid career.

Dean believed in participating in his local community. He was a member of the Salisbury Universalist Church, a volunteer fireman of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department for 57 years and a member of the American Legion and Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club. In addition, he also served on the Board of Directors for the Salisbury Rural Cemetery, holding the Vice President position in his last role.

Dean is survived by his beloved companion, Irma Crews of Little Falls, NY; three children, Ned Mowers (Sandra) of Dolgeville, NY, Denise Cramer, of Dolgeville, NY, and Stephen Mowers (Lisa) of Cheshire, CT; five grandchildren, Lt. Col. Ryan Mowers (Lauren) stationed with the United States Air Force in Niagara, New York, Nathan Mowers (Shauna), Marissa Carney (Travis), Ian Mowers and Tyler Mowers; five-great-grandchildren, Mason Mowers, Connor George, Colden Mowers, Emie Mowers, Lincoln Carney; two sisters, Pauline Knapp of Dolgeville, NY and Marcia Cigale of Flowery Branch, GA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Louisa Mowers; his wife, Betty Jane Mowers; their first child, Julia Dee Mowers; and a brother, Robert Mowers.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York where members of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department will hold their prayers services along with Pastor Jeff Frank officiating. There will be no calling hours. Procession with the Fire Department will follow to Salisbury Rural Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife.

The family would like to thank Dean’s caregivers, Carole Danforth, April Rickard, Lorraine Peets and Loretta Kotary for helping the family care for their father in his own home until his final days. They would also like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of New Hartford for their compassion, care and guidance for Dean.

Please consider memorial contributions in Dean’s memory for the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 69, Salisbury Center, New York 13329 and please note in the memo, “In Memory of Dean F. Mowers” in order for the donation to be properly acknowledged.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Mowers Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his memory book.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dean F. Mowers, please visit our floral store.