Duane “Duke” Harold Bower

Duane “Duke” Harold Bower, 76, of Williamsport, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on May 22, 2026, at The Gatehouse, Williamsport.

Born on October 26, 1949, in Erie, Duke was the son of the late Harold and Shirley Bower. He shared 44 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joyce Getchen Bower, whose companionship and devotion were a central part of his life.

A 1967 graduate of South Williamsport High School, he was an accomplished basketball player who continued playing at the Williamsport School of Commerce and the University of Fort Lauderdale where he earned a business degree.

While in Florida he worked as a sports reporter at the Sun-Sentinel, writing a golf column and providing statistics. Returning home, he joined the Williamsport Sun-Gazette as a reporter before advancing to City Editor and later Editor.

Duke also dedicated many years of service to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, working as a caseworker and supervisor until his retirement.

Sports were one of the great joys of Duke’s life. In addition to basketball, he played and coached Little League baseball and later became a highly competitive fast-pitch softball player. He proudly played for Powys Park and Trail Inn teams for 25 years, always wearing his favorite # 6 jersey, before finally hanging up his cleats at the age of 45.

Later in life, Duke developed a deep passion for golf. He was an active member of the William H. Theis Golf League at White Deer Golf Course, where he enjoyed countless rounds with many golf buddies over the years. Among the highlights was the annual Duke Bower Columbus Day Invitational Golf Tournament, a tradition that created lasting memories and enduring friendships.

Duke enjoyed spending time with friends at many of his favorite local gathering places, including the Sons of Italy, the Young Men’s Republican Club, and the Eagles Club, where he was a lifetime member. He enjoyed road trips and especially treasured the annual anniversary trips he and Joyce made to Daytona Beach for 45 consecutive years. He also enjoyed Blues Cruises, collecting sports bobbleheads, and challenging himself daily with crossword puzzles.

A passionate Pittsburgh sports fan, Duke faithfully followed the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and especially the Pittsburgh Penguins and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Whether watching a game, discussing sports with friends, or cheering from the stands, his enthusiasm for Pittsburgh teams was unmistakable.

Duke will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his steady presence, wit, competitive spirit, and dedication to those he loved. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Anne Marie Bower of Bluffton, SC; his brother, Daniel (Christine) Bower of South Williamsport; three grandchildren, Teague, Quinn, and Ethan; and one great-granddaughter, Shea; two sisters-in-law, Rhonda Getchen of South Williamsport, and Donna (Jeff) Schwoebel of Salt Lake City, UT; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Duke was preceded in death by his sister, Susan McBryan.

Duke’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His family takes comfort in the many memories shared together and the lasting impact he made throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Sunday May 31, 3 to 6 p.m. to be held at Young Men’s Republican Club, 621 Washington Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the cancer donation fund titled “Brad Hyde Memorial Golf Tournament”, 367 Smokey Corners Rd, Cogan Station, PA 17728. These proceeds all go to families of cancer patients in need.

Kaufman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Williamsport, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made on Duke’s memorial page at www.kaufmanfuneralhomes.com.