George A. Lowry, Jr., 87 of Scranton, passed away Saturday at Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center following an illness. His wife of 60 years, the former Wendy “Bema” Mead Lowry passed away in 2018.
Born July 14, 1935 in Scranton, PA, he was the son of the late Leah and George Lowry Sr. He was a graduate of West Scranton High School. Prior to retirement, he worked as the Director of the Nay Aug Park Zoo, he then went on to become the Animal Control Officer for the City of Scranton and later a driver for developmentally disabled youth. He was a United States Navy Veteran and Carnegie Medal of Heroism recipient.
George was an avid outdoorsman. Committing years of his life to working with animals, both wild and domestic. They were his passion. He would often share stories about his work with the elephants, monkeys, and big cats, amongst other creatures, at the zoo. He was a family-man. Spending much of his free time with those that he held near and dear. Always offering an open mind, open heart, and open home to his community. He loved to recount some of his incredible life experiences, or some wisdom he gained in his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. He was larger than life. Those that loved him would often describe him as a “gentle giant”. His hobbies included fishing, bird watching, and just about anything that would allow him to spend time out in nature. He had a masterful touch of turning his backyards into his own “Zen” gardens, where he could often be found, with a book, soaking up some sun. In his early life he devoted time to his Martial Arts practice, of which he loved to share with his family.
Surviving are his children Martin, Lisa, and George Lowry III and wife Holly; a sister Lois Kretsch; 2 Nephews; 2 great-nieces; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Margo Mead Lowry.
A celebration of George’s life will be held on Thursday, March 30 th , at 5PM in the Vanston and James Funeral Home, 1401 Ash St. Scranton, PA.
Friends may call from 5PM- 8PM.
Interment, private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s memory may be sent to the family.
For directions, to share a memory, or to express your condolences to the family please visit
www.vanstonandjames.com
Eileen Bowen
I am so sorry to hear of George’s passing. He and I grew up in the same block on Academy St. and we went on to graduate together at West Scranton High School, Class of 1955. We had a great childhood. And George went on to do a great job at Nay Zoo. Wendy was also a great gal. It w@# great growing up in our neighborhood.
Marie Schumacher
I did not have the privilege of knowing your Dad but I can tell you I heard how wonderful he was many, many, times from ruth Moylan.
Diane (Davis) Ferrerio
So very sad to read of George’s passing. My deepest sympathy to George’s family. We were neighbors on Academy St. He was a great guy. He did a excellent job at Nay Aug Park. He will be missed.
Linell Donahue
Sympathy to the family
George was such a great man. His presence moved you because he was such a caring man. My father Capt Willard Beynon was friends with George. My father had to put Tilly the elephant down and George helped him. He even came to our house to remove baby possum from our yard. Such a loss to the community and the Zoo world which he made wonderful for all us children growing up. George I hop uou run a Zoo in heaven God Bless my friend
Mike Macedonia and family
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GEORGES PASSING. WE WERE FRIENDS FOR OVER 60 yrs. A LOT OF MEMORIES. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE AND TALK TO GEORGE AND WENDY. OUR CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
George widzbell
My best friend for sixty years. We worked together and played together. you will be missed. A better friend no one ever had. Your buddy the wiz.
Don Howard
To the Lowry family. We’re so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and the community. George and his family were icons of the community. Thousands of people enjoyed Nay Aug Park during its prime. George made that a reality. I remember exotic animals in the family home. George was no BS. My prayers go out to you. Jody: Call out to you. How are you? Troop 101.
RAY SERGE
I KNEW GEORGE& WENDY , SINCE I WAS A KID, ON HYDE PARK AVE, SUCH NICE PEOPLE, IAM SO SORRY I MISSED THE VIEWING. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM . RAY SERGE. I HAVE SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF THEM .