Roy J. “Sock” Mowrer, 96, of Strasburg, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday October 16 after a long well-lived life.
Dad was born and raised in Iva, PA on a small farm belonging to his parents Milton and Barbara (Reiker) Mowrer. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Alice (Long) Mowrer who he married on August 10, 1945. They recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary with a traditional “nip” of Apricot Brandy. Dad attended the one room “Iva School” and graduated from 8th grade with flying colors. He was a very intelligent fellow. His first job off the farm was with Walter McMinn where he learned to operate and repair large excavating equipment. He was drafted into the Army and due to his experience was placed into the Army Corp of Engineers. He served his duty in the Southern Hemisphere in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was very proud of his service and felt fortunate to be those that “made it”. Upon his return he married “Dolly” Long. He returned to work for Walter McMinn and helped to construct the PA and NJ Turnpike. Mr. McMinn encouraged him to start his own company. He especially loved excavating. Later “Sock and Dolly” built Timberline Lodges also located in Iva on a piece of his father farmland. Dad had an eye for beauty and proportion and his excavating and building projects always reflected that. He and Dolly also restored an 1818 farm house which they called “Beech Tree”. No detail was spared in creating a masterpiece and good times were had there by many, many friends and family. Dad was quite the character and there was nothing he enjoyed more than making someone laugh. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a longtime member of the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge in Quarryville, PA. He enjoyed letting everyone know that Octoraro Orphie is the original prognosticator. He was a good man that worked very, very hard. His heart was made of gold. He is indeed, a local legend. His favorite quote was “Live. Laugh. Love”. Sock was preceded in death by his father, Milton, his mother Barbara, and his two brothers William and Vernon. He is survived by his daughter Victoria (Vick – Vickie) Long Mowrer, and sprinkling of cousins and nephews. As per Dads wishes there will be no services. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Strasburg Community Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 222, Strasburg, PA 17579
Just read the obit on Dad. Sorry for the delay in writing. I will truly miss Old Sock..And at the same I read that Mom had passed..So,So Sorry…The Mowrer’s Will surely be missed…Drop me an e-mail
So sorry to hear Dolly. I am praying for your strength and comfort.
I will miss him too. Sock always lit up the room!
Murl Clark
Vicky and Dolly, my sincere condolences to you both. My husband, Lee, and I lived at Timberline Lodges for a period of time and both Sock and Dolly treated us like family. I well remember drinking Sock’s “card table wine” – one sip and your legs fold under you! Sock’s sense of humor was infectious and the love between Sock and Dolly was unmatched. Two more special people could not be found. I am certain Sock is raising a little hell up there in heaven. I pray that you find comfort and peace knowing how well he was loved and how fondly he will be remembered.
My condolences to you and your family
Sorry to hear about your dad! That was a really nice obituary and very true he was very colorful and and quite the character I always enjoyed talking to him and always had a good laugh we shared hunting stories among a lot of other stories.
It was always funny to hear what uncle Roy did or said. I didn’t even know his name was Roy Until he told me to call him uncle Roy.
Sorry for your loss he was a great guy!
Craig
Vicky and Dolly, I offer my sincere condolences to you sock was certainly one of strasbourg’s classic residence. He will greatly be missed the many memories that I have had with that man in all different aspects he will never be forgotten lots of love to you two
Victoria and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort during this time.
We sure did have many good times with Sock over the years, he was definitely quit the character indeed, what a wonderful tribute to your dad Vickie. Ron had known your dad since he was a kid, growing up in Iva. And I enjoyed talking with and waiting on Dolly over many years at the stores, IGA, Strasburg Market Basket and Strasburg Market Place, and going out to have a funny chat with Sock in the parking lot as he waited for as he said “his bride”.Our deepest sympathy to you both, Dolly and Vickie. We will cherish all the great times with a one of a kind man!! He truly was a great guy. Ron and Pat Mowrer
Sock was a welcoming and fun loving spirit, and your tribute etches his warmth and generosity. He’ll be missed.
Vickie, I am so sorry for your loss. I had so many good times with your dad and I will always cherish him memory.
My prayers are with U & Vickie at this difficult time.
May your memories of the past be a comfort to you.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
Love ❤️
A lovely and heartfelt tribute. May you carry beautiful memories to comfort you.
Joe and I send our deepest condolences to you, V, and your mom. What a lovely tribute. Love you.
Dear Dolly and Vickie, Sock was a true gentleman who was my friend and mentor for many years. He guided me through some hard times, with laughs, long talks and a bit of a drink here and there. I have always kept him and Dolly close to my heart. Prayers for you all and rest in peace Sock, oh heck we know he is up in heaven telling jokes and spreading the love❤️
So sorry for your loss Dolly and Vickie . Sock was a wonderful man , he was a hard worker , and he truly loved his family . He will be missed.
The world will laugh less today and from now on! He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Reading about your dad and mom brought back many memories of growing up on Reservoir Road. Wonderful words for a very nice man. Hoping you find peace!
Very wonderful tribute Vicky, he will be missed in strasburg .
Well V you know I loved Sock. He always made me laugh! Between he and Dolly I didn’t stand a chance! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Dolly. She must miss him so much. My love to you Dolly. May you find peace during this difficult time.
Wonderful life history and a great photo. So glad I got to see him again 2 years ago. We would have never recognized each other. See you soon Vicki and love to your mom.
Thoughts and prayers are with you! Harry and Sue Pinker
What a lovely tribute to your dad, Victoria. Gene and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your mom.
Sock will always be in our hearts with
Great love and smiles. He was a peach of a guy.