Jack Elmer Rowland

Jack Elmer Rowland, a retired professional piano player and entertainer, died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, at Mease Countryside Hospital in Palm Harbor, Fla. He was 82.Born in New Castle on Oct. 1, 1926, Rowland trained as a concert pianist, but his talents as an entertainer eventually won over his concert ambitions.During World War II, he served stateside as a member of the Army Band. In the 1950s and ’60s he became a well-known entertainer in Northeast nightclubs and eventually settled with his family in Largo, Fla., where he was a popular performer in restaurants and lounges along the Gulf beaches.After retirement, he continued to play piano and was entertaining the residents at his nursing home just six days before he passed away.Rowland was married to Corrine Joan Herman for 52 years and they spent their retirement years in Ishpeming, Mich., which was her home town. He was mourning her Aug. 10, 2008, death when he died.A man with a big heart, gentle spirit and a mischievous sense of humor, Rowland is survived by three daughters, René Rowland, Melodie Martell and Annie Rowland; two sons, Jack F. Rowland and Shawn Rowland; two sisters, Peggy Bupp and Patricia Gordon; and seven grandchildren.Arrangements are by the Curlew Hills Funeral Home, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor, Fla. 34683.Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/ncnewsonline/Obituaries.asp.