Thomas Frazier Bowman

Dr. Thomas Frazier Bowman passed away on Monday December 18th, 2023 at the age of 86. After earning his doctorate, Tom became the youngest high school principal in the history of Washington state, before he and his wife, Marie, along with their two best friends, moved to New York in 1967. He then went on to serve as Dean of the graduate school of education and was a professor of educational administration at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus for over 50 years. His seminal work at C.W. Post helped prepare countless principals, superintendents, and other school administrators to lead their institutions in ways that reflected equity, compassion, and strength.
With an entrepreneurial spirit and an incomparable drive, Tom also co-authored 2 books, including a NYT Bestseller, Finding Your Best Place to Live in America. He also co-founded a successful building business (Bowman-Stokkers Building Company), and partnered with a friend and colleague to create and lead a small-group tutoring program (Catholic Learning Center).
As reflected by his many varied professional accomplishments, Tom possessed an essence of boldness, which was also epitomized by earning his pilot’s license and flying a Comanche 180 to his family farm in upstate New York, and as a young man, driving cross country on a motorcycle with his best friend. But, to truly know Tom Bowman was to know his music. A rich and velvety baritone, Tom began his singing career by performing at weddings and funerals in his hometown of Bellingham, Washington. He would go on to pay for his college and graduate school, in part from his singing, and also from his work at salmon canneries in Alaska. He would later travel to Europe to perform.
More important than any of these things, though, Tom was a family man. He was a beloved and devoted husband of 57 years, a caring and supportive father, and a cherished grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, his daughter, Kathy, his son, Jim, his daughter-in-law, Lorraine, and his grandchildren, Zachary, Jack, Sophie, Ella, and John. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his sweet daughter, Sharon. Tom made an indelible impact on those who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
In keeping with Tom’s wishes, there will be a small, private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation www2.jdrf.org