John L. Fowley

AVON PARK, FL - John L. Fowley, a resident of Avon Park, Florida, was born on December 16, 1944 in Worcester, Massachusetts and passed on May 12, 2026 in Sebring, Florida.

John and his wife had purchased a home in Seaside Resort on Big Coppitt Key in 1989 and they often visited there until they moved there full time in 2002. John had a love for being on the sea, fishing in the ocean and the beauty of the Florida Keys. He was known for his beautiful smile and warm heart. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. His kindness and generosity touched countless lives. He was never angry. If he was ever upset about anything, all you could see is this one vein that popped out of his forehead.

He spent his youth in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduated from Classical High School in 1964. He received an Associate’s degree in Arts Business Administration from Worcester Junior College in 1975. He went on to make significant contributions in his professional life as a leader in the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), serving as President and a past President. He started his career at Norton Company in Worcester, Massachusetts as a Systems Engineer. He then worked at Simplex Time Recorder Company in Gardner, Massachusetts as the Materials Manager for production and inventory where he met his wife Deborah. After that he worked at Veryfine Fruit Juice as the Director of Logistics. Once moving to the Keys, he worked as the Purchasing Agent for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, purchasing everything from pencils to helicopters.

John was predeceased by his father, John J. Fowley, mother, Dorothy (Sullivan) Fowley, sister, Patricia Jablonski, bothers James Fowley and Frances “Butch” Fowley.

John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Deborah Millett Fowley of Avon Park; sister Dorothy Turgeon of Worcester, Massachusetts; daughters Deborah Fowley and Tricia Draleaus (Matthew) both of Sterling, Massachusetts; grandson Matthew Fowley (Allyson) of West Boylston, Massachusetts; granddaughter Audrey Draleaus of Sterling, Massachusetts; previous wife and wonderful friend Cynthia Kjerting of Thompson, Connecticut, several nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23rd, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden, Massachusetts. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oakland University Eye Research Institute (www.oakland.edu), a charity of your choice, or plant a tree.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit his guestbook.