Obituary of Michael Charles Towman

**PLEASE NOTE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MIKE IS ON FRIDAY AT 10:30AM NOT 10:00AM AT NOTRE DAME OF MT. CARMEL CHURCH.**

Michael “Mike” C. Towman, 75 of Morris Plains passed away in his home after a brief and courageous battle with cancer on Monday, July 23, 2018.

Born in Newark, NJ, he lived in Bloomfield for 12 years before moving with his family to Morris Plains in 1984. Shortly after graduating Belleville High School in 1960, Mike joined the National Guard, proudly serving from 1963 to 1969.

It was after this time in his life that Mike embarked on a career in sales. For roughly a decade, Mike worked for both Supermarket Services in Linden and then Grosset and Dunlap Publishing in Manhattan. Helping expand their business into the supermarket industry, Mike became the youngest National Sales Manager in Grosset and Dunlap’s history.

It was after this career milestone that in 1977 Mike formed his own company, Jason Sales which then became Libra Marketing. For the last 41 years , Mike has helped various manufacturers build their brands in the supermarket industry. That business evolved over the years, but it’s most commonly and recently known as Towman Associates, Inc.

During 41 years in business, Towman Associates helped its favorite client, ShopRite/Wakefern Food Corporation, expand its non-foods business and aided them with their expansion of stores. Forever faithful to the men and women of Wakefern, Mike saw them as an extension of his own family.

During the mid to late 1980’s, Mike seized the opportunity to provide a product for consumers as they checked out at the register. As you entered Shop-Rite Supermarkets and for as far as the eye could see, a pipeline of inflated helium balloons would greet you.  Mike was loyal to the brands he represented as he was to the Supermarkets that sold his products.

Michael is survived by his dear wife, Sharon (Roarty); and his devoted children, Michael J. (Karen), of Hanover Twp., Kristopher (Marisa), of Summit, and Michele Giliberti (Christopher), of Hanover Twp. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Mikayla, Sophia, Kyle, and Luca; as well as his beloved sister, Dori Tighe (Jamie), of Kinnelon; and his cherished nephew and niece, Jamie and Jessica. 

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 4-8pm at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. A Funeral Service for Michael will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 10:30am at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 75 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Michael may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).