Support the Bowen family

Please help support the Bowen family after the devastating loss of their beloved Cliff. All funds raised will go directly to the Bowen family to support with memorial costs and living expenses as they heal.

A beautiful tribute to honor Cliff's life, written by his sister and sister-in-law, is below:

Clifford E. Bowen III, known affectionately as Cliff to his family, friends, and the many lives he touched, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, at the age of 59. Born on August 2, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, where he also passed, Cliff's journey came full circle, concluding in the very place it began.

Cliff was a beacon of love and kindness, a devoted husband to his wife, Fran Alyssa Bowen, who was the love of his life the moment he first saw her 30 years ago. He was a cherished father to his children, Nicole Dawson, Jack, Matthew, and Lily Bowen. He was the beloved son of Mary Tesoriero and the late Clifford Bowen II, and stepson to Tony Tesoriero. Loving son-in-law to Evelyn Rubenstein. Beloved nephew to Ramona Lofaro, known as Aunt Monie. His warmth extended to his siblings, Maria Bowen, Heather D'Agostino, Ashley B. Mondragon, and brother Zachary Bowen, with whom he shared a bond of mutual admiration and deep affection.

Education was not only Cliff's career but his calling. After studying education at Saint Francis College and earning his Master's of School Leadership from Pace University, he became a beloved teacher and a guiding light in the school community. His impact was profound and lasting, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and colleagues. Cliff's love for teaching was paralleled by his passion for coaching, where he inspired young athletes in baseball and basketball, imparting lessons that went far beyond the sports field.

He will be dearly missed by the P.S. 10 community, which he considered his extended family. Many staff and friends say he always put his students and colleagues before himself. Mr. Cliff touched their lives in so many ways.

An ardent sports enthusiast, Cliff's allegiance to the NY Mets and NY Jets was unwavering, and his love for music was as expansive as his personality, with favorites ranging from Frank Sinatra to The Allman Brothers, and a special place in his heart for the Grateful Dead. His interests were a reflection of his zest for life and the joy he found in the world around him.

Family and friendship were the cornerstones of Cliff's life. He embraced every opportunity to be with those he loved, whether it was on his recent, cherished trip to Paris with his wife and children, or the simple pleasure of the many road trips to baseball stadiums he took with his family. One of his favorite things to do was drive up to Hemlock Farms for the weekend, where he enjoyed being in nature and away from the city. His presence was a source of strength and comfort, and his ability to forge lasting friendships was a testament to his friendly and loving nature.

Cliff’s greatest legacy is his children and the love they shared. As a father, Cliff protected them fiercely and was always there for them. He was most proud of the people they were growing up to be and loved talking about how special they were to him. Because they are.

Cliff's legacy is carried on by his grandchildren, Michael and Lucy Dawson, who will grow up with stories of their kind-hearted grandfather. He was also a fun and doting uncle to Gianna and Nina D'Agostino, Raya Rubenstein, Dionisio, Phoenyx, and Trinity Mondragon. His in-laws, Robert Rubenstein, Tami Sheheri, and John D'Agostino, as well as his cousins, Betty Volpe, Steven Wojzik, Richard, Raymond, and Michelle Lofaro, Peter, Michael, and Erin Ruhe, all held a special place in his heart. Not to be forgotten is Charlie Girl, the beloved family dog, who was a constant companion.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." Cliff lived by these words, striving to make a difference in the lives of others, and in doing so, he achieved immeasurable success.

Cliff's departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. He was the embodiment of love, kindness, and friendship, qualities that will forever be his legacy. Cliff will be profoundly missed, but his spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.