Obituary of Lewis E. Harrower

Lewis E. Harrower II, 93, of Amsterdam, NY, passed away peacefully Friday, July 8, 2016 at Edward L. Wilkinson RHCF where he has been a resident since 2013. Born February 11, 1923 in Amsterdam, New York, he was the son of the late Harold Pitts and Melville Folmer Harrower. Lew attended the Phillips- Andover Prep School in Andover, Massachusetts and graduated in 1941 from the Governor Academy in South Byfield, Massachusetts. He later attended the University of Wyoming. Lew was a U.S. Army Veteran of WWII at the rank of Sergeant in the 29th Infantry Division and assault wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He also served in the battle of Normandy, Northern France, Central Europe and the Rhineland. He was Partner, Vice President and General Manager of the former Hosner Motor Car Corporation in Amsterdam for 40 years. After his retirement, Lew worked part time for the Betz Funeral Home. He lived in Sarasota, Florida for 25 years before moving back to Schenectady in 2004 and later Amsterdam. Lew was a member of the former Antlers Country Club and served on its Board of Governors; he was also a member of the Amsterdam Elks Lodge #101 for 25 years; Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce where he served at one time as Vice President and Director and a Past President of the former Amsterdam Automobile Association. Lew belonged to the John J. Wyzomerski Post 701 American Legion; Mohawks Club in Schenectady; Meadows Country Club in Sarasota; Sarasota Racquet Club and was a Past President of the Log Common Condominium Association for 8 years. Lew was a Parishioner of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. He enjoyed walking, swimming and the stock market. In 1951 he married the former Marilyn Guertin who passed away in 1991, He was also predeceased by his son Lewis E. Harrower III who passed away in 1973. Survivors include his daughter Kim Harrower DeGroff and her husband Jim of Bonita Springs, Florida; grandchildren, Jennifer Platt (Jason) of Perth, Kristi (Pete) Tautznik and Brian Harrower DeGroff of Amsterdam; and great grandsons, Thomas James Platt and Andrew Wilkie Platt. Prayer service and calling hour will be private. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 11:15 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Fr. Jeffrey L'Arche as celebrant. Burial will be private and will be held at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Hagaman with Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Lew's memory to St. Mary's R.C. Church Memorial Fund, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to The Foundation of St. Mary's Healthcare, 427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please sign the family guestbook www.brbsfuneral.com