Frank Raymond Rowell

On August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family, Frank Raymond Rowell of Manchester, NH, passed away at the Community Hospice Center in Merrimack. He was 76 years old.

Frank’s story began in Manchester, where he was born on September 2, 1948. Manchester was always home. It was where he grew up, raised a family, built his career, and lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. He graduated from St. Anthony High School and the Thompson School of Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, later serving six years in the Army National Guard.

For 30 years, Frank proudly served the City of Manchester as a firefighter, retiring as a District Chief in 2002. Known for his leadership and dedication, he pursued advanced training at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, where he enjoyed meeting firefighters from across the country. He also built lifelong bonds with his fellow Manchester firefighters, friendships he carried proudly throughout his life. His humor, quick wit, and steady presence left a lasting mark on everyone he served alongside.

Frank’s life was also defined by the adventures he shared with his wife, Lee Ann. Together, they built a landscaping business and traveled the world—whether on their Harley-Davidson with the Concord Harley Owners Group or on cruises that took them from French Polynesia to Scandinavia. In his later years, he found joy in creating a beautiful cottage garden at his home, a tranquil space that became a source of pride and a retreat for family and friends. Wherever he and Lee Ann went, what mattered most was that they were together.

He was passionate about many things: a well-made Manhattan (with exactly two cherries), prime rib dinners, Manchester United soccer, and making people laugh with his dry wit. But above all, he was passionate about his family. He was the steady presence everyone counted on—the husband, father, Papa, and great-grandfather who showed up without fail (and often early) whenever he was needed.

Frank is survived by his wife and true partner of 56 years, Lee Ann (Leroux); daughter Kristin; son Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Misty; grandson Geoffrey Rowell and his partner Shelby Santor; granddaughter Mia Rowell; granddaughter Rylie and her husband, Hunter Jones; great-grandson Bodie Jones; sister Lorraine and her husband Arthur Tillis; brother-in-law Michael Leroux and his wife Debra; and many nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Antoinette.

He will be remembered as the rock of his family, a forthright and dependable friend, and a man who filled every room with warmth, humor, and loyalty. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories and love he leaves behind.

Services: Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 4 to 6 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH.

Burial with military honors will take place Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2 PM in New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway, Boscawen, NH.

Memorial donations may be made to Manchester Fireman Relief Association, 100 Merrimack Street, Manchester, NH, 03101.

For more information visit: www.connorhealy.com.