Richard "Rick" E. Sowers

Richard E. "Rick" Sowers, Jr., 51, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, March 17, 2012 in Savannah, GA while marching with his beloved Second Time Arounders Band. Born in Coral Gables, FL, Rick graduated from Palmetto High School in Miami, Stetson University with a Bachelor Of Science Of Arts In Physics Degree, the University Of Florida with a Bachelor Of Science in Civil Engineering Degree and passed the State Board of Professional Engineers. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at both universities. Rick worked as a civil engineer specializing in drainage design, storm water modeling, and environmental impact analysis. Devoted husband to Diana for 22 years and proud father of Kyle, he loved being on the water, and sailing with his family and friends. Rick was active in the community and an avid Rays fan. He served as a SAC chairman at Lakewood High School for three years. More recently Rick devoted his considerable quiet passion and steady energy to the St. Petersburg Sailing Center as chairman of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club's Sailing Center Committee, and volunteered at numerous regattas. Rick, Diana, and Kyle traveled to Holland and the British Virgin Islands for sailing trips. Rick was a Snare Drummer with the Greater St. Petersburg Area Second Time Arounders Marching Band and also traveled with them to the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Canada last year. His quick humor, easy friendship, commitment to community and family, and joie de vivre, will be forever missed. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard E., Sr. and Mona Kowalewski Sowers. Visitation 3:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, March 22, 2012 at E. Dale Gunter Funeral Home 4100-16th St. North. There will also be visitation from 10:00 AM to the time of the funeral service at 12:00 Noon Friday, March 23rd, 2012 at Allendale United Methodist Church 3803 Haines Road North with Rev. Roger G. Watts officiating. The family requests memorials to: St. Petersburg Yacht Club Jr. Sailing Program 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Att: Shawn Macking $(document).ready(function(){ });