Obituary of Ira Owens

Ira Henry Owens, Sr. of Howell Township passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the age of 91. Born April 24, 1922 in Jersey City, Ira was the youngest child of Napolean Bonaparte Owens and Emma Marie (nee Burgess) Owens. He lived in Jersey City until 1991 when he moved to Howell. Ira was a member of St. Veronica's Parish, Howell for the past 22 years. He retired in 1988 from D & V Wrecking, Parlin where he was a general foreman. Prior to working at D & V Wrecking, Ira worked at Hudson Iron and Metal, Bayonne (1963 - 1981) and the American Radiator Corp, Bayonne (1948 - 1963). Ira served in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he was assigned to the 12th Construction Battalion (Sea Bees). Ira was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Catherine (nee Bianco) of Staten Island, NY; and six siblgings, Burgess, Oscar, Louise, Lois, Bernice, Anita and Sonora. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Daye and her husband, Charles R. Daye, Jr.; his son, Ira H. Owens and his wife, Teresa Owens. He was the proud grandfather of Charissa Daye, Ira Alexander and his wife, Amanda Owens and Maria Foster and her husband, Clifford, Jennifer Morales, Charles R. Daye, III and Timothy Owens. He was blessed with three great grandchildren, Mekhi Foster, Mikaela Foster and Madison Owens. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Throughout his lifetime, Ira was known by many different names including "Brother", "Buzzy", "Uncle Brother" and "Buzz". However, it was when his first grandchild was born in 1980 that he received the name "Poppie". It was this name that his immediate family and close friends used for the next 34 years. Visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 29, 2014 for the procession to his 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at the Church of St. Veronica, 4215 Route 9 North, Howell. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com