Family members recalled Gary Bowser as an automotive titan who never forgot his humble beginnings.
Bowser of Murrysville died peacefully surrounded by family March 28 after a brief illness. He was 81.
“He was originally from Kittanning, and he never forgot where he came from,” said Bowser’s son, Gary. “He always kept his hometown close to his heart.”
Bowser founded his auto empire in 1983 after acquiring Al Schwartz Pontiac Subaru in Pittsburgh. He grew the business from a modest 30 employees to a staff of 450, creating one of the largest car dealerships in Western Pennsylvania.
Headquartered on Clairton Boulevard in Pleasant Hills, the business has satellite lots in Monroeville and Beaver Falls, collectively known as the Power of Bowser.
“I worked side-by-side with him for 35 years,” Gary said. “We started every day with a cup of coffee together. He was about making sure he took care of his customers and the employees. He always said, ‘You’re only as good as your people.’”
Gary and his brother, Kurt, continue to run the business. Some of Bowser’s favorite times were spent with family and childhood friends at his camp, “Buck’s Rub,” in Forest County, his son said.
“He was a hunter and a fisherman,” Gary said. “He was a big people person.”
Bowser was a member of Holiday Park United Methodist Church and served on the Franklin Regional Foundation board.
He was heavily invested in blood cancer research initiatives, having served as a board member for the annual Stanley Marks Golf Classic, which benefits the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Bowser was honored with the Stanley Marks Humanitarian Award in 2023.
Bowser is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara.
Services were held Thursday at Hart Funeral Home in Murrysville. A service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holiday Park United Methodist Church.
For online condolences, visit hartfuneralhomeinc.com.