Robert William Bowers (“Bobby B”), 91, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Sandy Hook, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on March 19, 1935 in Newton, New Jersey, to Robert Henry Bowers and Ella Bailey.

Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Gail Olson Bowers, with whom he shared 50 years of love and partnership.

A truck driver by trade, Bob had a lifelong passion for trucks, cars, and jukeboxes. He didn’t just admire them — he brought them back to life, carefully restoring each one using original parts whenever possible. His hands seemed to know how to fix just about anything, and there was a quiet pride in the way he worked — patient, skilled, and determined to do things the right way.

He was a founding member of the Connecticut Yankee Antique Truck Club, where he shared not only his knowledge, but also his easy humor and gift for friendship. Bob had a special way of making people feel at home. He rarely met a stranger, and more often than not, you were given a nickname that stuck.

He was known for his playful spirit and love of a good practical joke, always ready with a grin and a story. Beneath that humor was a deep kindness, especially evident in his love for animals and the quiet care he showed to those around him.

Bob is survived by his daughters Deborah Kliegl (husband Tim) and Dawn Hafner; his grandchildren, Heather Brown and Robert Bowers; and his four great grandchildren, Natalie, Mason, Riley, and Cassidy.

He leaves behind not only the things he built and restored but the laughter he sparked, the friendships he formed, and the memories that will continue to bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

Family and close friends are invited to a graveside service at 11 am Saturday, April 18, at Newtown Village Cemetery, Elm Drive in Newtown, with the Rev Adam Fredericks of Grace Family Church, Newtown officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Here Today Adopted Tomorrow-Purrfect Support Program, POB 557, Brimfield MA 01010, which provides ongoing care to cats with chronic illnesses.