Robert was born in Lynn Mass.  to Mary C. (Whitten) Bowman and Albert W. Bowman.  He attended Classical High School in Lynn, MA and studied at North Shore Community College.  

Bob was very well liked and easily made friends wherever he went.  He had a gift of making people laugh and putting them at ease.  These characterisitics lead him to many opportunities in retail throughout most of his career.  He was affectionately know as "Buffy" to his friends at Walmart.  

Bob proudly served his country as a US Marine appointed as Corporal in rank in 1974 and Sergeant in rank in 1975.  

Bob was a loyal Patriots and Red Sox fan.  He enjoyed Watching Mountain Men, Life below Zero and anything Alaska.