•Fowler, Stephen R., Hilton, Died October 11, 2014 at age 55. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Troendle) Fowler; his sons, Michael (Isabella Young), Andrew and Ryan (Amanda Jones) Fowler; his parents, Harry and Marguerite (Justice) Fowler; brothers, Norman (Sue) and Charles (Joanie) Fowler; his sister, Brenda (Richard) Knorr; several aunts, uncles, cousins including his special cousin, Michael (Mary) Justice; and many friends including James Talbot and Mike Whelehan; and his faithful companion “Tully.” Steve was the longtime Recreation Director for the Town of Parma and a charter member of “The Men’s Room.”
Services were held Monday, October 20 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Those wishing can contribute to the Hilton Education Foundation in his memory.
Stephen R. Fowler, former Hilton-Parma Recreation Director
The Parma-Hilton community lost one of its leading citizens and biggest advocates for making this a better place to live on October 11. Steve Fowler, long time Recreation Director, never wavered in his commitment to the people he served. Steve spent countless hours on different programs and I suspect was late for dinner many times.
His unbridled passion and enthusiasm for his job was an amazing thing to witness. He always wanted to do more for the youngest kids to our oldest seniors. To borrow a famous quote: “Some people say why, Steve said why not.” Steve’s hard work led to the Town of Parma being awarded many grants to help grow the Town Park and add amenities to it. Under his leadership, the Hilton-Parma Recreation and Parks Department became one of the finest in Monroe County.
Through his long career Steve Fowler was the recipient of many awards. Those include:
1989 – GVRPS “Professional Excellence” Award;
1991 – “Anne Jenejahn Memorial” Award;
1996 – “Distinguished Professional” GVRPS’
2004 – Hilton Central School “Friends of Education”;
2013 – Life Time Achievement Award from SUNY Brockport.
Steve made a huge commitment to this community and a lot of people thought it was time to give a little back. In 2013 “Fowler Field” was dedicated in Steve’s honor at the Parma Town Park.
Steve was many things to many people but most importantly he was a friend to all of us. He wanted the best for us and worked hard to try to make it happen. He was a soft spoken “giant” of a leader who believed our finest days lay ahead. Steve, you will be missed in so, so many ways.
Jim Smith, Parma Supervisor
From the Westside News Inc. archives – September 29, 2013
The Hilton/Parma community gathered together Wednesday, September 25 (2013) to honor Recreation Director Steve Fowler by dedicating Field #4 at the Parma Town Park in his name.
Steve was commended for his work, particularly in building a relationship with the Hilton Central School District; his involvement with “Make a Difference Day;” and for starting the “Kites in the Park” program. He also helped the town obtain over one million dollars in grant funding for the Town Park, which was awarded the New York Commissioner Award in 1992 and the Outstanding Facility Award from the New York State Recreation and Parks Society in 1999.
Fowler Field was built in 2009 and designed as a softball field by Mike Whelehan of R.M. Landscape – who volunteered his time and energy. However, the field is multi-purpose and used by many groups including recreation leagues, travel baseball and two scholastic teams from the school district. The town secured a $250,000 state grant in 2008 for the field, which has many impressive features including a special infield surface and has players benches, a home run fence, infield lights and a scoreboard. At the dedication ceremonies Steve said it was an honor to have the field dedicated in his name, particularly, “knowing all the people who worked on it and make the effort to maintain it. It’s a special place.”
Steve Fowler, Director of Recreation of the Town of Parma, was recognized (September 25, 2013) for his accomplishments by having Recreation Field #4 on the town hall campus named Fowler Field. About 300 people attended the ceremony which featured many words of acclamation from local dignitaries and other awards. File photographs by Walter Horylev.
