News

A Caregiver, a Friend  
1936-2009

Donald R. Lowry, Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Lifetime Assistance, Inc. died on February 6, 2009, at the age of 72.

Donald Lowry along with Donna, his wife of 54 years, leaves a legacy that began in June 1957 when the Lowry’s challenged the status quo and society’s intolerance towards persons with disabilities when, against traditional medical advice, they brought their son Greg, who was born with Down Syndrome, home to their loving family.

In the 1960s and 70s, Mr. and Mrs. Lowry advocated for better public education for children of all abilities and in the mid 1970’s they joined forces with five other parents (of developmentally disabled children graduating from high school), and founded and incorporated Lifetime Assistance, Inc.  As founding Board members of Lifetime Assistance, Mr. and Mrs. Lowry have remained steadfast in their work to promote healthy, meaningful, full lives for citizens with disabilities.  Mr. and Mrs. Lowry have always embraced systems advocacy at the highest levels.  Whether it was meeting with a commissioner, or state legislators, their countless hours spent in legislative and policy level advocacy has positively impacted New York State public policies, in assuring quality lives for citizens with developmental disabilities.

In the 1960’s there was a lot of excitement about the Space Program. Chrysler Corporation’s Space Division offered Mr. Lowry a Senior Engineering position on the program and the family moved to New Orleans.  After the Space Program was completed, Mr. Lowry accepted a position as Engineering Dept. Manager with General Motors and relocated to Brockport, N.Y.  Although especially proud of the role he played in helping our country put the first man on the moon, his most important success was the founding and continuing development of Lifetime Assistance.

Mr. Lowry was a driving force behind taking Lifetime Assistance from simply the dreams and hopes of families in our community, to today’s quality organization and the Rochester area’s largest and most comprehensive developmental disability agency. Mr. Lowry often remarked, “Because of our son’s courage, Greg has been our inspiration; we got involved BECAUSE of Greg, but we continue on BEHALF of all the people we serve. We must take care of those who cannot care for themselves.”

“I’m privileged to have known Don for 20 years,” said James Branciforte, CEO/Pres. of Lifetime Assistance.  “From a personal standpoint, I have lost a dear friend and mentor. We at Lifetime are shaken by the loss of this giant of a man, whose presence will be greatly missed, but whose ideals remain central to our work. Our Lifetime family of friends, employees, service recipients and families, board members and donors, remember Don’s strength in leadership, and his kindness, generosity, and humor. Don’s visionary leadership, composed business sense and tenacity are legendary as well, among local and state government officials and community leaders. His contributions remain embedded in the mission of Lifetime Assistance.”

Mr. Lowry’s philosophy was honest and straightforward; “Challenge the status quo; create the extraordinary; if you settle for ordinary you get mediocre.

Ensure that you put the needs of others first; treat them with commitment, dignity and respect.

We should all thank God for the opportunity to serve others; it is a very high calling.”

Mr. Lowry was a master gardener.  He created the Greater Rochester Perennial Society and served as its president for nine years. He also was past Chairman of the Board of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Monroe County.

Along with Donna, his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Mr. Lowry is survived by sons Greg, Jeff, Scott and Charles, several grandchildren and his mother, Bertha Lowry.

Awards and Accolades, partial listing:

Greater Rochester Board Leadership Award presented by United Way and the RBJ 10/2007

ESL/News 10 NBC Jefferson Award 5/2007

Rosalyn Carter Caregiver Award 5/2004

Donald R. and Donna J. Lowry Center 10/2003

Lifetime Assistance Humanitarian Award 11/2003

New York State Rehabilitation Association (NYSRA) Martha Fitzpatrick Award 09/2003

Numerous Lifetime Assistance Board Member of the Year awards.

Calling hours will be Sunday 2/15 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Fowler Funeral Home 340 West Avenue Brockport NY 14420. A Memorial Service will be Monday 2/16 11:00 a.m. at the Fowler Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made to the Donald R. and Donna J. Lowry Founder’s Fund in Don’s memory:
C/o Lifetime Assistance Foundation, Inc.
425 Paul Road
Rochester, New York 14624