Joseph A. Bowler; Electrical Engineer

Joseph A. Bowler, who helped pioneer the system of ground-controlled approach radar for airports, has died at his West Hills home. He was 83.

Bowler died Monday of a heart attack, said his daughter, Rosalind D. Garcia of Palmdale.

Born in the Philippines, Bowler earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Philippines and came to the United States in 1934. He graduated from USC in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and began working for Gilfillan Bros. in Los Angeles, where he was a member of the team that developed the radar system used to guide aircraft in zero-visibility conditions. Bowler later traveled worldwide implementing the system.

He continued to work at the company, which is now called ITT Gilfillan, located in Van Nuys, until his death.

Bowler was a member of the American Society of Electrical Engineers, the American Philatelic Society and St. John Eudes Catholic Church in Chatsworth.

In addition to his daughter, Bowler is survived by his wife of 29 years, Vasiliki Bowler; sons David W. Bowler of Los Angeles and L. Bruce Bowler of Juneau, Alaska; brothers James E. Bowler of Ferrum, Va., John E. Bowler of Carson City, Nev., and Frank L. Bowler of Philadelphia; sister Dolores Patterson of Richmond, Va.; four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A memorial Mass was held Wednesday. Bastian & Perrott Mortuary in Northridge handled the arrangements.