Gregory T. Rowe

1951 - 2014

Gregory T. Rowe, of Berwyn, PA, passed away at home on the evening of October 3, 2014, after a 14-month battle with cancer. Greg was born on September 17, 1951 in New Bern, NC. Greg is survived by his husband, and partner of 28 years, Ken Hamm, also of Berwyn; his mother, Jean Rowe currently of Paoli, PA; his brother and sister-in-law Luther and Brenda Rowe of San Clemente, CA; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Janet and Roland Roig of Mt. Laurel, N.J., and 2 nieces and 2 nephews. Greg's father Jerry E. Rowe and one brother, Jay Rowe, both of North Carolina, preceded him in death. Greg received an M.B.A. from Temple University Graduate School of Business, as well as an M.A. from the School of Dramatic Arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. from the Department of Theatre at North Carolina Central University. Greg was the Director of Culture Initiatives and Deputy Director of the Philadelphia Program at The Pew Charitable Trusts from 2009 to 2012. He began work at Pew in 1997 as a program officer in Culture. His vision, and the strategies that were implemented under his leadership, continue to be contributing factors to Philadelphia's cultural revitalization. Greg brought his experience in strategic and business planning, financial management, program development and the arts to Pew's efforts to encourage cultural organizations and practitioners in southeastern Pennsylvania to achieve excellence in programming and management, as well as build strong connections to their audiences and constituents. He led the Culture program, which included the Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program and The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, which he was instrumental in conceiving and developing. He also oversaw special culture projects such as the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's program Engage 2020, and played a key role in supporting initiatives that reinvigorated the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance as the region's primary advocate for arts and culture. Greg was involved in developing the Cultural Data Project from its inception in 2001 through 2011. The CDP is now used by thousands of cultural organizations and more than 100 funders throughout the country. Prior to joining The Pew Charitable Trusts, Greg was the Managing Director of People's Light & Theatre Company in Malvern, PA. Greg's support and appreciation for artists, his care and interest in young people, and his wonderful sense of humor made him beloved by all who worked there. During Greg's tenure at People's Light (1983 - 1997) the Theatre's operating budget tripled, capital assets quadrupled, and the Theatre developed one of the largest arts education programs in the country, all while remaining free of operating debt. Some significant programs and productions made during his time there were Free Fest, The Gospel at Colonus, a six-hour adaptation of Theodore Dreiser's Sister Carrie, and a free program for High School students that continues to this day. He had a profound and lasting impact on People's Light and its community. In addition to his roles at Pew and People's Light, Greg enriched the regional cultural scene through his voluntary service on numerous Boards over the years, including the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Delaware Valley Grantmakers. He also served as a member of various funding panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and other funding organizations. Greg and his husband were avid travelers. Together they visited over 100 countries and 7 continents. A memorial service celebrating Greg's life will be held at People's Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355 on November 8th at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the People's Light & Theatre Company.