Joseph 'Connie' Bowen, former boxing champ
Joseph Connie Bowen, 82, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home after a short illness Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. Born in Galway, Ireland, he was the son of the late John Bowen and Mary Ann Walsh.
He attended Christian Brothers School in Galway and served a seven-year apprenticeship at the Connaught Tribune in Galway City. He immigrated to the United States in 1958, worked in Boston, Mass. and Washington, D.C., and ultimately moved to Wilmington in 1963 where he joined The News Journal. He retired in 1992 and enjoyed a lengthy retirement in Rehoboth Beach. In 1948, he became interested in boxing and started training. In 1950, he was named All Ireland Junior Bantam Weight Boxing Champion. In 1952, he won the All Ireland Senior Bantam Weight Boxing Championship, holding both titles consecutively. Between 1952 and 1958, he participated in exhibition fights throughout Ireland. While in Dublin, he was spotted by a London Times sportswriter who dubbed him a "future Irish prospect." Connie will be remembered as the story teller. He was a devout Catholic, loved the beach, watching sailboats, fishing and hunting. He had a passion for world history and American politics.
He is preceded in death by three brothers, Patrick, John and Ivor and his sister, Carmella all of Galway. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Christine Mons Bowen, also of Galway; his son, Michael of Wilmington; and his granddaughter, Christina; two brothers Jim of London and Clement (Marie) of Galway; two sisters Concepta (Joseph) Bithell of Boston, and Lourdes (Bruce) Peterson of Standish, Maine, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private memorial service will be held celebrating his life Monday, Feb. 9, with a luncheon immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
