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Charles Rowe Obituary
Newark - Charles Alfred Rowe, 86, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 10, 2020.
Son of Alfred "Bud" Rowe and Alice "Ally" Ledbetter Rowe, he was born in Great Falls, Montana, on February 7, 1934. Charles graduated from Great Falls High School. Growing up in Montana, hunting was part of his life and he enjoyed many trips back to hunt and to visit with friends and family. He loved to ski, winning trophies in downhill racing. This was a love he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
His education began at Montana State University, followed by two years serving his country in Korea. He later attended Southern Methodist University before attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago where he met his wife-to-be, Eugenia.
Charles moved his young family to Newark, Delaware in 1965 where he began his career as an Art Professor at the University of Delaware. During that time, he completed his Masters of Fine Arts at The Tyler School of Art at Temple University. After over 30 years of teaching, he retired as Professor Emeritus in 1997.
Charles had a very distinguished career, exhibiting in venues nationally and internationally. His artwork has been displayed in the Pentagon, the Smithsonian, the World Trade Center, the Library of Congress, the NASA Space Museum and the Louvre, with permanent displays at the C.M. Russell Gallery in Great Falls, Montana and the State Justice Building in Helena, Montana, as well as many private collections. In 1976, Charles was selected to exhibit with "American Painters in Paris" as part of the bicentennial celebration. He also painted the 1981 Delaware Duck stamp.
Charles and Eugenia shared a very full life. They visited North Africa and South America, and travelled extensively throughout the United States and Europe, including a fabulous year in Spain.
Charles was a man of great integrity, who loved his country and had a conviction to always do what is right. He was brilliant artist, a loving man, and a gifted storyteller. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Charles is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eugenia Dean Rowe; daughter Allison and her husband Ed Norfleet of Alpharetta, GA; son Jon and his wife Cheryl Cutler Rowe of Rocky Hill, CT; daughter Dorian and husband John Kleinstuber of Bethany Beach, DE; and 6 grandchildren, Tyler and Lexie Norfleet, Megan and Caitlin Rowe, and Matthew and Mark Kleinstuber. He was preceded in death by his siblings Edithann Janetski, Robert Rowe and Ally Lou Baker.
A celebration of Charles's life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charity, Autism Delaware.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Rowe
Sarah Macuga
April 16, 2025
Charles Rowe changed my life. I was a languages major taking a number of non-major art courses when he invited me to be in his first advertising design class at the U of D. After some "discussion" with my parents, off I went. I credit him with not just changing my life, but creating a career that I totally adored. What a brilliant man and mentor.
Bryn Barnard
December 20, 2020
Charles and I were colleagues at the University of Delaware, teaching illustration, from 1990-95. We lost touch after I moved to Kuwait, then Korea, and now Singapore. I sent letters along the way, but international snail mail isn't what it once was. I only just learned of Charles' passing.
I was a freelance illustrator working in New Jersey when I got an invitation from Charles to teach some illustration classes, a role that eventually grew into assistant professor. We started as collegial professionals and became friends. We differed on many things politically, but this never interfered with our working relationship or our friendship. I had so much admiration and respect for Charles' vision, craft, and worldview. He was a demanding teacher and for that his students adored him for that. His influence lives on in their art careers. Charles taught me how to be a teacher. For that I will always be grateful. Eugenia, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of this great man and artist.
In sympathy,
Bryn Barnard
Rico Bergstra
November 13, 2020
Hello Eugenia,
I'm very sorry to hear that Charles has left us. I have tried to find you via the Internet a few times in the past but without result and only now I came across this In Memoriam webpage in his honor.
We met in the "fabulous year" you mentioned in Spain. For me it was a fabulous year as well and meeting you and Charles was a beautiful part of it. I especially cherish the times we were invited to your wonderful place near the sea on Punta de la Mona en la Herradura and we talked about painting and art, I remember his "Gaviotas" and his flying ladders. I showed some of my work as well.
Another fond memory is the day when we went walking together along and through the river (Rio Verde) down from Otívar. It was such a revelation and I felt very priviliged to have been invited to come along and be able to discover such a paradise.
I hope you are well,
Love Rico.
Bruce Garrity
August 26, 2020
It is with great sadness that I learned that Charles passed away in February. I met Charles as a student at UD in the early 80s, where I had him as a Professor for several classes and as a mentor for some independent projects. I learned much of what I know concerning the craft of painting from Charles. We soon became friends, sharing interests, I grew up in Alaska, which had much in common with Montana. I will always fondly recall visits to his studio in the old sculpture building and times at the bar at the Down Under sharing beers stories and bar napkin drawings. He taught me some great lessons (both about art and life) generally by giving me room to fail and then discover something important out of that failure. I only saw Charles infrequently after he retired from UD, a lunch or two. I even taught some of his illustration classes afterwards, where I tried to channel his positive, insightful, good natured energy. Charles always seemed that he was living his life on his own terms, for which I admired him and hoped to emulate him. He will be missed.
Joan Tasca
March 1, 2020
Since I didn't receive the Rowe's Christmas letter, or Gene's call this year, I have been afraid to call her.
I feared this.
Between 1973 and 1978, I was Professor Rowe's student, work study and teaching assistant. Charles was my teacher, mentor, and friend who was there for me at a pivitol time. He secured a full scholarship, a studio, and teaching opportunities that made it possible for me to earn my B.F.A. in Painting.
I will never forget the hours we talked in studio or the Deer Park, and his dry wit. I kept my sketchbooks with his humorous, but meaningful messages/drawings.
A dedicated teacher, talented artist, an honorable man, loving father and husband to Gene, Charles was an exceptional human being.
My grief is profound, as my thoughts and prayers are with Gene and the family.
Joan Tasca
Joan F. Tasca
February 23, 2020
I am Rochelle Komisar Hughes who was one of the models for Prof. Rowe at the U. of Delaware. He did a portrait of me and it was sold and then somehow returned to Prof. Rowe and this same portrait now lives with one of his nieces. I was also a student in at least 2 of his art classes. It was a grand experience. For the family members reading this, the name of my portrait is Rochelle In A Blue Gown. May Prof. Rowe be at peace with his many talents and his great personality of which God will enjoy also. My best to his dear Wife and other family members during this transitional time. Blessings to and for all of you. Rochelle K. Hughes
Penelope Parker
February 20, 2020
Strangely I was thinking of him only two days ago. I was thinking about my drawings of life models in his class. There is a programme on BBC TV at the moment that gives artists at home, a chance to do life model drawing from a live model. I was thinking back to my time in the Art building, working all night to get a piece done, and the massive cockroaches, that haunted the place. Charles Rowe was a true inspiration, his determination to get the best out of each student, the belief that we had it in us and the firmness that did not let us get a way with less than we could achieve. We all we him a lot.
86 is too early for someone who still had so much to live and give.
Keith Heckert
February 19, 2020
As a former Illustration major at UD, Charles was a wonderful professor of art that taught me many skills that I am still using today. He was a person of integrity as well. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in the people he touched as well as his wonderful works.
SHIRLEY SANDERS
February 18, 2020
Charles was a wonderful high school friend whom I admired for all his artistic skills and intregity and kindness to all.
Mary Anne Rowe Souza
February 16, 2020
Charles passing has left me the last surviving grandchild of our founders, Charles and Annie
Rowe of Fort Benton, Montana. I have now lost my last Rowe first cousin and hoped we would get together again. I had the best time at the last family reunion visiting about our parents and he and Jeanie's wedding shower which I attended in Great Falls when I was 16. My husband and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you all and pray your sad days will be replaced with smiles and laughter the happy memories bring.
Mary Anne Rowe Souza
Bud Currell
February 15, 2020
A great guy from High School days. What fun we had! A wonderful friend with a great laugh and sincere demeaner..Just look in his eyes.
He went to SMU with me and again have great memories..
My thoughts and prayers are with you Eugenia and your family. May God comfort you..
Deborah Pugh
February 13, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so very sorry for your loss.
February 13, 2020
My condolences to the family.
Charles was a tremendous professor and asset to the Art Department at the University of Delaware. He was the most effective teacher I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He exerted a tremendous influence on all his students and those with whom he came into contact with. I cherish my memories of our years together.
Kevin McLaughlin
Melissa Martin
February 13, 2020
Fondly remembering Charles and his contribution as a volunteer and grandparent to Autism Delaware over the years. He will be missed by many. Warm thoughts and condolences to his family and the many whose lives he touched.
Melissa & Ed Martin
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