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Michael P. Bowler, who has lived in Port Jefferson Station for nearly five decades and coached the Rocky Point High School varsity lacrosse team for 47 years, died at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan following a battle with leukemia on Sunday, Dec. 1, his family announced.
After starting the Rocky Point lacrosse team, Bowler made it to the top of the mountain when the team won the 2008 state championship with the Eagles.
Off the field, Bowler taught social studies for 12 years before being promoted to vice-principal, which he held for 19 years before retiring in 2004. He remained as the head lacrosse coach through this year.
Bowler is survived by his wife of 50 years, Helene for 50 years. He was the father of Brendan (Amy), Kevan (Andrea), Michael (Ann), and the late Sean (Adena Herskovitz). “Silly Willy” grandfather, better known as “Poppy” who loved John, Michael, Brian, Donny, Brodie, and Rory. Bowler was the brother of Kevin (Jennie), Stephanie, and Meg Malangone.
A funeral mass was held for Bowler at Infant Jesus Church in Port Jefferson on Dec. 6 and he was buried at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Smithtown.
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