John Dean Gower, 69, of Scottdale, Pa., passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2026. He was born on Dec. 12, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent most of his life in Scottdale.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sandie Moriarty Gower; his stepdaughter, Laura Mangini, her husband, Sabatino, and their children, Elyse and Caius, of East Brandywine, Pa.; his stepson, Daniel Oliver and his wife, Candace, of Scottdale, and his children, Cheyenne, Darian, and Aaron, and his stepdaughter, Shannon Oliver, and her children, Seth, Shane, Shella, Cora, and Everett, of Winston-Salem, N.C.

He is also survived by his daughter, Melissa, and her children, Sidney and Jocelyn Swank, of Scottdale; his son, Chad, his wife, Tina, and their children, Mackenzie and Cameron, of Scottdale; and his brother, Jim Gower, of Las Vegas, Nev.

John was preceded in death by his sisters, Linda Welch and Katie Snyder, both of Scottdale, and his brother, Bill Gower.

John worked for many years as a drywall finisher before retiring and later working at UPS. He also spent many years working as a baseball and softball umpire. A talented all-around handyman, he was the person family and friends turned to when something needed to be repaired, built, or figured out.

An avid Pittsburgh sports fan, John also enjoyed reading Dan Brown novels. He made many lasting friendships during his years playing fast-pitch softball as a pitcher. Throughout Scottdale, he was known affectionately as Johnny Dean and Gower Power. To those closest to him, he was simply John, Dad, and Pappy.

John will be remembered for his quick laugh, large mugs of coffee, his love of sports, and the friendships and family connections he built throughout his life.

In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no public viewing or funeral service. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the family’s chosen provider.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends honor John’s memory by reaching out to Sandie with their condolences, sharing a favorite memory, or offering support during the days ahead. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-REGA FUNERAL &CREMATION SERVICES, 730 W. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. Please visit John's online memorial at REGA.SLATERFUNERAL.com to sign the condolence Guestbook