St. John Neumann Medal Nomination for 2022

We are pleased to offer for your consideration the nomination of our Brother, SK John J. Bowan, for the 2022 St. John Neumann Medal. John is a dedicated servant of the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and his community.

Church

Since 1984, John has exemplified true discipleship of Christ as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Usher and Lector at St Michael the Archangel Church in Levittown, PA.  His service as Extraordinary Minster included visiting the homebound and sick. He has also spent countless hours as a major fundraiser for the Parish school and as a worker at the annual Parish fair.

In addition, he has served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and Lector at the St Mary Medical Center Chapel.  

Community

Starting at the age of 12, John earned an American Red Cross Standard First Aid Card. At age 14, he earned an Advanced First Aid Card. As a Senior in High School, he earned Advance Life Saving and CPR Cards. 

At 19, he began his decades-long service as a First Responder. He joined the Levittown/Fairless Hills Rescue Squad and earned an Emergency Medical Technician Certification, a Certification he still holds today, some 40 years later. He also has been a CPR Instructor for the American Heart Association. 

His community awards include Life Membership with the Levittown/Fairless Hills Rescue Squad. In 1988, he enlisted to serve on active duty for the ambulance squad. Medical issues caused him to retire from ambulance duty after 43 years of service. 

In addition to the rescue squad, in 2005, John joined the Tullytown Fire Department. He answered both fire and medical calls. He retired from the Fire Department due to medical reasons after 17 years of service. 

Council and District

John currently serves as Advocate for Knights of Columbus St. John the Evangelist Council 7515 in Lower Makefield, PA. He has served as Grand Knight, Treasurer, Recorder, and Lecturer.

At the District Level, he has twice served as District Deputy Eastern Region. During his tenure, he was instrumental in reactivating St. Joseph Council 4271 in Marcus Hook, PA.

At the Assembly Level, he has served as Outside Sentinel, Color Corp Commander, and Scribe. 

His awards with the Knights of Columbus include Council Knight of the Year and Assembly Knight of the Year.  He also received the prestigious Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award.

Patriotism

John is active with Wreaths Across America. In conjunction with Archbishop Wood Assembly, he donates wreaths every December and assists in placing them on the graves of our Veterans.