Michael Bowanko

Michael “Pop” Bowanko, Jr. Michael Bowanko Jr., 87, of Ellicott City, Md., passed away peacefully on June 22, 2016, surrounded by family. Known to friends and family as “Pop,” Michael was born to the late Michael and Julia (Raydo) Bowanko, Sr. on July 31, 1929 in Plains, Pa. He graduated from James M. Coughlin High School in 1947 and subsequently joined the U.S. Navy for a period of eight years, stationed in New York City, Washington D.C. and the Great Lakes for long stints. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1954, Pop married the late Hilda (Balla) Bowanko, the love of his life, and soon after they moved to Glen Burnie, Md. where he attended night school at John Hopkins University. Pop graduated with a B.A. in engineering in 1970 and worked in the government contracting field for 21 years, ending his career at the National Security Agency in 1991 A character with a capital “C,” Pop was known for his love of popsicles and sweet treats, avid gardening, voracious reading, sharp dressing, bargain shopping, and countless rounds of golf and tennis. He made the best French toast in the mid-Atlantic, and enjoyed traveling with his wife and spoiling his grandchildren. Pop will be lovingly remembered by his children Lynn (and her spouse, Stephen) Lemont, Michael (and his spouse, Sheryl) Bowanko III, Kim (and her spouse, Thomas) Hunt, and Mary (and her spouse, Frank) Talbot; 12 grandchildren Natasha (and her spouse, Michael) Walsh, Amber (and her spouse, Joel) Dawson, Matthew Bowanko, Thomas Hunt, Morgan (and her spouse, Max) Brown, Luke Bowanko, Cole Hunt, Drew Hunt, Kacey Talbot, Harry Lemont, Michael Bowanko, and Zach Talbot; and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Asher Dawson. Pop is survived by his brother, Daniel, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Hilda, and brothers John and Theodore. A memorial service with be held on Friday, July 14, at 11:30 a.m., located at First Evangelical Lutheran Church — 3604 Chatham Road in Ellicott City, Md. 21042 — with Pastor Mike Louia officiating. A celebration of Pop’s life will follow at his daughter Kim’s house. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the nonprofit Gilchrist Hospice Care — 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434, Columbia, MD 21045— where Pop received excellent care during the last week of his life

Michael Bowanko

July 31, 1929 - June 22, 2017