Joseph Rowe

1958 - 2012

Joseph Rowe
November 22, 1958 - August 16, 2012
An angel came and whispered in Joe's ear. It's time, son for you to be released from your earthly pain, trials and struggles. It's time for you to join your brother David and favorite grandmother Helen Rowe in Heaven. The angel promised he would be happy beyond measure.
We know that our son took the angels hand and looked back and thought; now I am free. But for sure, I will miss all of you very much. All of my family, good friends and a loved one's touch. Tell them I am I am never far from them. God needed and wanted me now. Miss me, but let me go. I will be waiting for them at the gate.
Our son died unexpectedly and suddenly at his home that he shared with his brother Carl Jr. and Belinda Carl's girlfriend. He was 53 years old. Why? That is what we ask, but we may never know for sure why. But we do know that there is nothing that anyone should have done, could have done, or did or didn't do that would have changed that why. All that love could do was done. (Thanks Joni.)
Carl Jr. and his parents shared great responsibility and devotion in everything we did for our son and brother. Sometimes to the point of making ourselves sick with grief over the circumstances and decisions we made on his behalf in the last years of his life. He remains our precious son and brother.
I called him our wild child and dare devil. We smile when we think and begin to remember all the different, "stuff."
Joe was happiest working as a maintenance man at the many hotels in San Francisco and Newark, California. Next, was being a helper for Carl Junior's roofing company. He always wanted to work, be busy, and have a list of the day's errands.
His favorite things were attending the concerts in Santa Cruz with his childhood friend and truly loyal friend Brian. He especially loved being with his longtime friends Martin Jr. and Shannon and barbequing in their yard. He had pictures of family, friends and motorcycles all over the walls of his room.
Painting a house, a fence or cleaning the yard, anything for his buddy Paul from the A.A. fellowship in Fremont.
Joe was a lover of life, pretty girls, motorcycles, and anything, "Guns & Roses," he had it all. He knew and loved those guys. Saw them in concert, had books, records, tapes; everything. He was a rock and roll aficionado.
Joe always liked to start his day with coffee, a cigarette and his paper. Whatever time he had to be at work, he allowed time for the above, he liked his routine.    He then left the house with his phone list in hand, tools, water, and a pack of ciggs, maps and his truck that he was so proud of. He always started the day clean, shaved, clean clothes, sunglasses and no hat. (His forehead was never white.) Hats messed up his hair and were hot. He had a mustache since his late teens. Once he shaved it off and I promptly told him to grow it right back, and he did!
Joe took pride in his appearance, when he and his brothers were school age, I bought t-shirts and jeans home for them. Not Joe, when he and Kelly shopped sadly things had to be returned. They did not understand, "not appropriate."
Joe never looked or acted his age (like his mother). His greying hair became annoying so a month ago he dyed it a lighter color, (like his mom.) I said sweetheart age is just a number and dye is good.  Joe looked for the best in others and tried to give the best he had. He loved little kids and his parents many dogs.
He often times was a bad boy, but always remained our precious son and brother. He too was a man of faith and prayer. His last words were always- Thanks mom and dad for everything, I sure love and appreciate you guys. As parents we give great thanks to all Joe's good, true and loyal friends in Fremont, CA A.A. Fellowship and Newark N.A. who always tried to help each other. God Bless you all and especially Paul, Rick and Charley.
A special God Bless and always thanks to Carl Jr. and Carl's girlfriend Belinda who stood behind Joe for years  and did the best they could and the best they knew how.
Joe was born in San Jose, CA 2 days before Washington Hospital opened up on November 22, 1958 He lived and loved the Fremont area. He attended Mattos Elementary Hopkins Junior High and Mission San Jose High School and Williamson Continuation High School.
Joe is survived by his beloved parents Carl and Jackie Rowe his daughter Kareing and two grandchildren, his older sister Kelly and younger brother Carl Jr.  He is preceded in death by his brother David who was killed in a solo motor vehicle collision in 1996 at 35 years of age.
Joe is survived by many, many relatives but special uncle Bob of Rossmore, Aunt Norma of Castro Valley, CA Aunt Lolita, Morgan Valley, UT and special, special family friends Sally, Gea, Mya, Tava and Shay of Arizona.
Not to be forgotten are his beloved grandparents Floyd and Vie Purcell and Curt and Helen Rowe and lucky to have had great grandparents Lawrence and Grace Rowe and Horace and Inez Mc Farlane.
These special relatives have passed on but the reunion must have been joyous because they knew Joe very well and loved him dearly.
Our family's special thank you's from Carl and Jackie Rowe: words cannot express the love, friendship, sincere appreciation we have for our friends, family, neighbors and especially the Republican Women Community of very close friends. We have been overwhelmed by the sincere outpouring of prayers, food, calls, notes and flowers. Please keep the prayers coming. To all who have held our hearts and hands, thank you. Every note, call, bite of delicious food and prayer was appreciated. Franklin and Downs and Kristi Ah You thank you, we will be grateful to you forever.
Thank you to the known and unknown who rang our door bell, embraced us, because they too have walked our difficult path.  No words needed to be spoken.
From Carl Jr. - The next time we meet you'll pick me up on your Harley.
Belinda - Thank you friends, neighbors and especially the closeness and concern from fellow contractors.  The men and women in the trenches and offices, roofs.  It is so appreciated.
Dad - He walked this long and rugged road, upon this rocky path he strode sometimes burdened by his load.  He found solace in his abode.
Mom - What a gift to truly have your children tell you when you're alive how much they love and appreciate you.
From Joe - Of all the friends and family I've ever met, you're the ones I won't forget.  And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.  I'll give the angels back their wings and risk the loss of everything - just to prove my love and friendship is true -I'm thankful to have had family and friends like you!
There will be no services.  Joe will be cremated and after a while placed in the Rowe family plot in Livermore, CA.  Donations greatly appreciated to: N.A.M.I. National Alliance on Mental Illness 500 N. 9th St., Modesto, CA 95350; Marines Memorial 609 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94102; or to Community Hospice 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
Mom - Good by sweetheart - I've loved you from the moment our brown eyes met.  We know you completed your journey.  It wasn't supposed to be this way son, but one day we'll all be together. I love you!
When God sends forth a tiny soul to the ways of earth, a Mother's love is waiting here - we call this wonder...birth.  When God calls home a soul and stills a fleeting breath, a Father's love is waiting there.  This too is birth, not death.
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