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JOSEPH ROWAN Obituary
Dr. Joseph Edward Rowan Jr. died on Easter Monday, April 2nd. His passing is mourned by his family, friends, and four decades of patients that he cared for so well. He received his undergraduate degree from Saint Michael's College (Vermont) and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Georgetown University School of Dentistry and his specialization in Periodontology from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Rowan served as President of New York Academy of Dentistry, Chairperson of the American College of Dentists - New York Section, Associate Attending in Periodontics at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the Weill Cornell Campus (40+ plus years), and was a Diplomate of the American Board in Periodontics. Always an avid outdoorsman, he loved walking, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and photography. In quieter indoor moments, he enjoyed yoga, painting, and reading to his grandchildren. In addition to his professional and social ties to Manhattan, Dr. Rowan was an active member of communities in Litchfield County, CT and Seal Harbor, ME. He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Diana P. Rowan; children: Victoria C. Rowan, Ian McA. Rowan, and Edward (Ted) Van S. Rowan; four grandchildren; and his sister: Claire E. Chiarello. All are welcome to attend a requiem mass for Dr. Rowan on Friday, May 11th at 10am. The service will be held at St. Patrick's Cathedral (5th Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets). In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity to The Washington Art Association: www.washingtonartassociation.org/donate.php which supports artists, and where Dr. Rowan enjoyed taking classes.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH ROWAN
Sponsored by the Rowan Family.
Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse
April 9, 2025
Dr. Rowan was my dentist for many years as I suffered with gum disease. He was a very honest and informed dentist. I will always remember the care and wise advice he gave me to help heal my gums. Sincerely, Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse
Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse
May 21, 2024
Rest In Peace , Dr. Rowan. I will always remember the kindness, care, and professionalism you showed toward your patience like me. Prayers and condolences to your family. Sincerely, Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse
Barbara Ann Cook
April 9, 2023
Victoria, Ian and Ted,
It is hard to believe that it has been five years since your father's death. March 31 was three years since my husband David's death.
My sympathy and regards to you and your mother. I hope to see Victoria and Ian around Warren, perhaps at the Memorial Day Parade.
Barbara Ann Cook
Convent of the Sacred Heart 1964
Manhattanville College 1968
71 Curtiss Road, Warren
Jonathan Bean
April 9, 2023
Such a kind man. My condolences on this Easter Sunday. He is risen as well.
Carmelina M Connole
December 1, 2019
Hi Diana, so very sorry to read of Joe's passing. It's shocking! He was a wonderful guy. We enjoyed seeing you both, when you were in CT! We, send our sympathies, late in sending, but just read this. Jim & Carmelina Connole & Family, your window cleaners!
Michelle Goncalves
November 10, 2018
Dr. Rowan's love and dedication towards his patients will serve as my inspiration and guideline to when I become a dentist. Rest in peace Dr. Rowan.
Barbara Chernow
May 8, 2018
My deepest sympathies on the loss of such a caring and gracious man. My visits to his office always included time to share stories of activities, interests, and family. At a difficult time, he showed great compassion. He will be missed by all.
MaryAnne Rasmussen
May 6, 2018
Dear Diana and family,
For over 25 years, Dr. Rowan lightened up my life for a number of days each year. During my dental visits, we always spent a good part of my visit by sharing stories of our families (including all of the dogs) vacations, entertainment, etc. I often reflected how very, very fortunate he, his bride and the children and grandchildren were to have each other. He shared so many wonderful stories of all of you, including how he thought he was not worthy to marry this beautiful woman, Diana! Well, the rest is history.
The only down side of being the phenomenal man who Joe was, is that his loss is felt so deeply by so many of us. I know my heart hurts greatly. And for you, Diana, and all your children, grandchildren and Joe's sister, I pray that your faith will help to have the hole in your heart be replaced gradually by the many, many beautiful memories with this beloved man.
God bless!
Love,
MaryAnne
Ed Susi Alex and Andy Prus
May 2, 2018
I was stunned on hearing of Joe's passing. People like Joe are not supposed to die. We are supposed to enjoy each other's company, friendship and camaraderie until some long away future unnamed day. I owe everything I am to Joe. He got my career started in Manhattan with just one brotherly phone call. I will never forget the day, the call and my gratitude for him reaching out to me. Knowing Joe and you, Diana, all these years and watching the kids grow up has been our joy. We have had so many happy times together. Susi and I will miss Joe dearly. Our hugs, kisses and prayers are extended to you and your family. We will see you Friday, but I so wish it were under different circumstances.
April 21, 2018
We loved Joe for his great warmth and esprit'. Always interested in you and with an interesting view to offer. He and Diana brought enthusiasm and love into our house when they visited us. A loving father and family' man par excellence. Of course we shall miss him. RIP dear Joe. With love to all you Rowans. Ann
April 20, 2018
My deepest sympathies for the loss of this lovely man. Joe was an elegantly-skilled, longtime practitioner of Iyengar Yoga, and a wonderful mate to all who practiced alongside him. He will be missed.
Terry Robards
April 19, 2018
Hello Diana,
Joe was my oldest and dearest PHS friend,in that we were thrown together alphabetically as freshman locker mates: Robards/Rowan. I was proud to have such an accomplished classmate in that he achieved every possible professional success in dentistry.
Bravo, Joe. I remember you fondly proudly and happily.
Alfred Uhry
April 18, 2018
Dr Rowan treated me for twenty five years. His thoughtful and caring nature always made the sometimes difficult treatment easier to handle. . My sympathy to his family and friends. He was a gentleman and a fine man.
April 17, 2018
We were shocked and saddened to read of Joe's death. A casual friendship in CT deepened when we discovered commonalities of schools and friends. We enjoyed our dinners together. Joe was a warm, interesting, and interested in others person. He was a pleasure to be with at dinners, movies or just walking and talking on the road.
Our sympathy, love and prayers to Diana, their children and grandchildren.
Barbara Ann and David Cook
Owen King
April 16, 2018
May the memories of your remarkable husband/father/grandfather bring you comfort in the times ahead. With my deepest sympathy.
April 16, 2018
My deepest sympathies for the loss of a wonderful man. I was a patient of Dr. Rowan's for over 15 years. He was always so gentle and kind and an excellent periodontist. I will truly miss him.
Dr. Rowan loved to tell me stories of his family, particularly his wife. I think it is safe to say he adored you, Diana.
With much sadness,
Suzanne Fawbush
Payson Brickley
April 16, 2018
Diana and family, I was so sorry to hear about Joe. I have always respected and admired him for his character, sense of humor, and success. A man with a strong ego, but not a selfish one. With you Diana, he raised great children, who I am sure will miss him deeply. God bless all of you. Life goes on
Jonathan Bean
April 15, 2018
What a lovely and gentle man he was. As a patient of his for 26 years I can say he was undoubtedly at the top of his field. Diana, Victoria, Ian, and Ted - Please know that he talked about you each and every time I would see him (perhaps 100 visits). He was so proud of his children and so lucky to have an adoring life partner in Diana. He will be missed by me and so many others.
Heather Higgins
April 15, 2018
Tori, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am holding this unimaginable heartbreak with tenderness. May the celebration of your father's life bring new and long-forgotten stories to light and may they be a comfort to you all.
Enid Futerman
April 15, 2018
Dear Victoria, I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved father. He sounds like an extraordinary man and your good luck in having had him in your life until now, makes that loss greater and harder to bear now. With love and deepest sympathy to you and all your family
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