Robert J. Crowers, Jr., age 72, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014.
Bob was born in Philadelphia, Penn. to Robert Sr. and Florence Salerno Crowers who preceded him in death. As an enrolled member of the EBCI, he enjoyed long summers spent with his Aunt Lucinda and Uncle Moses Welch of the Big Cove community and later the home of his parents. After an early retirement from a major utility company, Bob followed his passion for cooking and graduated with an associates’ degree from The Restaurant School, where he met his future wife. Together, they moved to Cherokee and honed their culinary skills by opening a restaurant at The Charleston Inn in Bryson City, followed by a café and bakery in Dillsboro before moving to Franklin and constructing the Town Hill Bake Shoppe which they operated for five years before their final retirement. In addition to cooking, Bob enjoyed a lifetime of hunting, fishing, car racing and the beach.
He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joan Ghisu Crowers, daughter Kelly Crowers Guidry (Nate) of Ft. Worth, Texas, step-daughter Cheryl Thacker of Wilmington, DE., step-son George Luciotti of Boothwyn, Penn., sister Cyndi Crowers Boyer (Joel) of Aston, Penn., brother James Crowers (Joyce) of Jacksonville, Fla., two grandchildren, Caden Reece and Lane Alexander Guidry and six step-grandchildren, Joel, Philip and Justin Mastroeni, Maria, Michael and Noella Luciotti.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Judith Hamil Crowers and by a brother, Leonard E. Crowers.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 6, 2014 in the chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home in Franklin with the Rev. Jim Park officiating. The Franklin VFW #7339 and American Legion Post # 108 conducted military rites.
Graveside services and future interment were held at Edgewood Memorial Park in Glen Mills, Penn.
Online condolences may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com