Harry William Rowe

Harry Rowe, aged 87, passed away at home in Wilmington, NC, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, surrounded by his children and wife, Joyce, the love of his life. Harry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend.

He was born in Jersey City, NJ on January 19, 1938, to Joseph A. Rowe and Dorothy B. Rowe. Harry graduated from Villanova University in 1960. He was a proud Wildcat, not only as an alumnus but mostly as a legacy sending several of his children and grandchildren to his alma mater. Following school, Harry started what would become a successful career as a sales executive with General Foods and Tambrands. After many relocations around the country, Harry called Wilton, CT home. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and an integral part of it’s expansion renovation. Harry was active in the community as president and coach in the Pop Warner football program and a founding member of the Golden Oldies men’s softball league. His “locker room” speeches were legendary, and no matter how good the softball game was it always sounded better over postgame beers!

Upon retirement, in 1995, Harry and Joyce moved to Wilmington, NC where they began the next chapter of their lives as members of the Country Club of Landfall. Wilmington was full of many rich memories over the years including Easter egg hunts with grandchildren, golf and games with friends and family, events and celebrations, and of course the “5 o’clock” cocktails. Harry brought his love for senior softball to NC and joined the Wilmington Senior Softball Association, where he later was part of a team that won a state title and came close to winning a national championship.

Harry met Joyce at Lake Mohawk in New Jersey where both would spend their summers. They were married on January 6, 1962. From that point on, for Harry, it was always all about Joyce. He was a great man who loved his wife deeply. He enjoyed just being in her presence, whether engaging with her or simply having her nearby while he wrestled with a crossword puzzle. Harry’s love for Joyce spilled over to his love for his children, and later his grandchildren. Family was his everything, it was his “why”. Harry started an annual family tradition called “ROWED HOME”, which was a week together at the beach either on the Jersey or Carolina shore. Over the years, while the beach houses got bigger and the headcount got larger, the genuine moments and cherished memories grew exponentially with Showdown, the card game for the dishes, being paramount.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joseph, and his sister, Mary. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce, of 63 years; their 6 children – Mark, Brian, Jennifer, Michael, Cathleen, and Christine; his sister, Carole, and his brother, Joe; and his grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 12:00pm at St. Therese Catholic Church, 209 Lumina Ave South, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

Harry will be missed! As he always said upon departure, “Keep Yookin” . . . until we meet again.