OCEAN ISLE BEACH — John Rowe, 95, passed away peacefully Monday, July 8, 2019, at his home.
John was born July 23, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Joseph and Jennie Rozniecki. He fought for his country in the U.S. Army on the front line during World War II; spent 40 years as an executive for United Brands in Detroit, New York and Boston; and retired at Brick Landing Plantation with his wife Vivian in 1985.
He was a great father to his three kids, a great grandfather and a loving husband. He always put his kids and his family first and was a successful business executive. He was a really kind man, a gentle soul and an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know him.
Over the last several years, he loved wearing his World War II hat when he went out to eat; strangers would thank him for his service, talk with him and sometimes buy a meal. He loved golf, and that is partly why Vivian and John moved to Brick Landing, but he described himself as a “hacker.”
He had an amazing and somewhat sarcastic sense of humor, and it found its way into almost every situation. This sense of humor continued to be alive even as his illness grew over the past several years. He would tease (mouth off as he called it) the caretakers, nurses, waitresses and his family to lighten things up and to make people laugh.
Surviving are his loving wife of 67 years, Vivian; sons, Gary Rowe of Carlsbad, California, Dennis Rowe (Deborah) of Columbia, South Carolina; daughter, Kathy Ward of Conway, South Carolina; and nine grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 12, at Brunswick Funeral Service Chapel, Shallotte. Inurnment will take place following the service in St. Brendan the Navigator Roman Catholic Church Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Share online condolences with the family at Brunswick Funeral Service.
