Joseph “Joe” Bowser, a Washingtonian whose accomplishments spanned multiple careers and milestones throughout his life, died on Aug. 2, 2024.
Joseph Bowser is survived by his wife, Joan Bowser (Davis), and their children, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and sons Martin, Marvin and Mark. His daughter, Merica Bowser, died of COVID-19 complications in 2021.
Growing up, Bowser attended St. Augustine Catholic School and Armstrong High School (now Friendship Public Charter School - Armstrong Campus). He worked in D.C. Public Schools for 44 years until retiring as a facilities manager. He was also involved in local politics and served as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for the ANC 5A for more than three decades and as a captain for Precinct 66.
Joseph Bowser’s Mass of Christian Burial was offered Aug. 12 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Washington. Father Frederick Close, the pastor at St. Anthony parish, celebrated the Mass. Concelebrants included Msgr. Raymond G. East, the pastor at St. Teresa of Avila in Washington, and Father Gary R. Studniewski, the pastor at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, also in Washington.
Father Close started his homily by praying the “Glory Be.”
“Yes, glory. Even on this day of necessary tears, our context is glory. For the glory of them, this man, and woman, and child, fully alive forever and forever, singing the praises of God who in his infinite love has saved us from death, freed us from slavery, put us in transforming glory, beginning right now,” Father Close said.
Father Close said although there aren’t any words that can truly encapsulate the feelings of those experiencing the loss of Joseph Bowser, he said the Mass readings encapsulate the “Joe Bowser that we know and love.”
“I think that every family is inspired with marking the passing of a loved one from this veil of tears to the heavenly promise to choose exactly the right words,” Father Close said.
The readings included Revelation 14:13, Romans 8:31-35, 37-39, and Psalm 23, which Father Close called “everyone’s favorite Psalm.” The Gospel reading was John 16:16-24.
Father Close said the readings illustrate the “meaning of this day,” which includes dialogue with God and not understanding everything God does, such as when someone dies.
“He's already told us what he's going to tell us. And then he tells us. He tells us, starting with Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want.’ ‘There's nothing I shall want’ because in Psalm 23 is the promise of the Eucharist, which is the context of our celebration. The bread of life, the antidote to death, and the medicine of immortality,” Father Close said.
He went on to say how God will always be present.
“Our God, his son not sparing, came to rescue us, and he did. Is there any circumstance he cannot see you through? And the answer is ‘no, nay, never’,” Father Close said.
He added that Joseph Bowser was a “practical Catholic” who was both a Knight of Columbus and a member of the Cursillos in Christianity, the movement in Catholicism that originated in Spain. Father Close said Bowser lived out the Cursillo message: "Make a friend, be a friend, and bring your friend to Christ.” He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Eastern Branch Foundation Inc., a volunteer organization.
Following Communion, government proclamations from politicians, including councilmembers, senators, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Gentleman Doug Elmhoff, were read. This was followed by reflections on Joseph Bowser’s community service, faith, and family, a eulogy by Marvin Bowser, and a prayer of commendation.
