Joseph Provience Bowen IIIAge: 70Joseph Provience Bowen III, age 70, passed away on August 12, 2017. He was born on June 15, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Margaret (Davies) Bowen Riegel and Joseph Provience Bowen, Jr. Joe held a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Marketing from Philadelphia University, a Master's degree in Education Administration from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration and Planning from the University of Vermont.Joe began his career in education as a business teacher in Pennsylvania. He was a business and social studies teacher in New Hampshire. For the next 30 years, he served in various administrative roles in Vermont schools retiring as the principal from the West Rutland School in 2011. Joe was the co-founder of the Vermont Association for Middle Level Education. He served on the New England League of Middle Schools Board of Directors, on the Executive Committee of the Vermont Principals' Association, and was the Vermont Coordinator to the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals. He was the first person in the state of Vermont to receive the Vermont Principal of the Year award twice. Joe was a Nationally Certified Principal Mentor, currently serving as the coordinator of the Vermont Principals' Association.Joe was an active member of many Masonic groups. He was raised at the Dorchester Lodge #1, F.A.M. in Vergennes, a dual member of Union Lodge #2, F.A.M. in Middlebury, Potter Chapter #22, Middlebury Council #14, Mt. Calvary Commandery #1 and Cairo Shriners in Rutland, and his true passion was the Cairo Shriners Mini-Monsters. He held various offices including being Master at Dorchester Lodge and was the current President of the Cairo Shriners Mini-Monsters. He enjoyed participating in the parades and helping prepare meals, especially breakfasts to earn money for helping various Masonic charities.He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; his step-daughters, Kim Lucia and Kate Lucia; and his sister, Kathy Turns.Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Joe's life on August 27th at the Waybury Inn from 1-3 p.m. The celebration will begin with a song performed by Justin Bouvier followed by a Masonic funeral, and closing with songs by Phil Henry. Refreshments will be served.Contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the Vermont Principals Association, 2 Prospect Street, STE 3, Montpelier, VT. Monies will be used to establish a one-time scholarship for a student(s) pursuing a career in education.Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.comVisit burlingtonfreepress.com/obituaries to Express condolences and sign the guest book.