Robert J. Rowe

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Dad, Robert J. (Chuck) Rowe, on Friday, May 16, 2025, after a brief illness. Chuck was born in Rockport on January 8,1929 to the late Walter and Martha (Graham) Rowe.
In September of 1950, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, the late Elizabeth (Betty) Quinn. They were happily married for 70 years. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather.
Chuck was a proud lifelong resident of the Town of Rockport, a graduate of Rockport High School and as a young teen worked at Speck's Farm and at the Thomas Wilson Bottling Co. (Twin Lights Tonic Co ). At the age of 15, he began working at the First National Stores and continued his career there until their closing in 1980. He went on to work for the Town of Rockport Department of Public Works until his retirement in 1992. He was also elected town Assessor and served in that capacity for 10 years. In addition, he served as the Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Chuck was an avid Boston Sports fan, but his clear favorite was the Boston Celtics. In his later years, he was part of the Celtics Distribution team which afforded him the opportunity to attend most Celtics home games. When not in attendance, he never missed a televised game.
He was a friendly, happy go lucky guy, always with a smile on his face. He enjoyed going out for regular Friday night dinners with his kids, always starting with a margarita; Tuesday and Saturday morning coffee runs/chats with the Town of Rockport dump crew; long rides around the Cape, Sunday morning breakfasts out and the occasional conversation with old friends and former coworkers when he was out and about town. It wasn't unusual to see him working out in his yard any time of year.
Chuck was happiest when surrounded by his family, they were his pride and joy. He found pleasure in sharing stories of his life growing up in Rockport. He enjoyed gathering every year for July 4th and for Rowe family Christmas. He especially loved attending the various sporting events, music and theater events of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his four children, Beverly Miller, Robert Rowe Jr. and his wife Marilyn, Janette Getz and her husband Peter, Mark Rowe and his companion Laurie McNiff; his nine grandchildren, Jeffery Miller, Jason Rowe, Jennifer Rowe Lavy, Justin Rowe, Joshua Rowe, Matthew Getz, Sarah Getz, Rachel Rowe and Madeline Rowe; 11 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son in law, Timothy Miller, as well as his siblings, Walter Rowe, Brenda Rowe, Donald Rowe, Glenn Rowe, Phyllis Nangle and Virginia Swinson.
Our family would like to thank our Dad's very special neighbors, Neil and Patty Dineen and the Harris family for always keeping an eye out and pitching in to help. We would also like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Kaplan Family Hospice House for their care and kindness.
In keeping with his wishes, services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Chuck's memory to the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, 100 Causeway Street, Suite 1210, Boston, MA 02114-1316. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.