Benjamin Lowers Jr., 82, Was Veteran, Engineer

Benjamin P. Lowers Jr. of Mantua, N.J., died March 10. He was 82 years old.

Born and raised in Oil City, Pa., Ben was graduated from Oil City High School in 1941. He also received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Clarkson University, as well as a master's degree in soil mechanics from the University of Michigan.

Ben was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II on the naval destroyer Escort Solar. He was a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailor Association of New Jersey.

Ben was a licensed professional engineer. For many years, he was the eastern regional manager and assistant vice president for Raymond Concrete Pile Co. in New York. After retiring, Ben continued to work as the eastern division manager for DYWIDAG Systems International in Lincoln Park, N.J.

For the past 10 years Ben was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights, where he was active with the Prime Timers. He was also a Mason with the Racquet River Masonic Lodge, Number 213, in Canton, N.Y.

In his spare time he enjoyed traveling, which included touring through South America and cruising to the Arctic Circle. He was an avid amateur sailor and enjoyed sailing off Martha's Vineyard. Ben also enjoyed collecting fine clocks.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic in his profession and at home with his family. He truly enjoyed tackling the challenges of any task.

Ben is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Jane (Allgaier); his children, Nancy Lowers of Hamden, Conn., Amy (Stephen) Maurer of Bexley, Ohio, and Allison (Charles) O'Loughlin of Merchantville, N.J.; seven grandchildren, and his brother, Horace R. Lowers of Huntsville, Ala.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 14, at First Presbyterian Church of Woodbury Heights in Woodbury Heights, N.J. Interment was held Thursday, March 16, in Hillside Cemetery in South Weare, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Gloucester County, Inc., 305 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 or Heifer International, 216 Wachusett Street, Rutland, MA 01543.

Arrangements are by McGuiness Funeral Home in Woodbury, N.J. Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com.