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Dennis Rowe Obituary
Born in San Diego, CA, he was the son of Carol Rowe of Modesto, CA and the late Michael Rowe.
Dennis served proudly in the US Navy, retiring as Master Chief after over 27 years of service. He then worked as an Aflac agent. He enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping.
In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter Diane Villaronga of Boerne, TX; three stepchildren, Timothy Boucher of W. Greenwich, Troy Boucher of Ashaway and Tami Plas of Providence; three brothers, Donald, David and Daniel Rowe all of Modesto, CA; nine grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Visiting hours are omitted. A Funeral Service with Full Military Honors will be conducted at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 So. County Trail, Exeter on Friday, Feb. 9 at 11am. Attendees are asked to arrive outside of the Admin. Building at 10:45am. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements by Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Rowe
Sponsored by Diane (Rowe) Villaronga.
Michael Evitts
December 11, 2019
My late condolences to the Rowe family. Dennis and I served together on the USS Lafayette and we did a few things together off the boat. I just found an article in the March 1991 Trident Tides about the Lafayette decommissioning and thought I would see if I could find Dennis online. I am deeply saddened to find his obituary. It sure it would have been fun to catch up with him.
Dan Rowe
March 8, 2019
I miss you so much, it's hard to believe it has been a year! You were my big brother who let me hang with him, I have so many great memories of all the goofy adventures we had on our cross country trip. I miss talking to you and catching up on what has been going on. Until we meet again brother! I miss and love you!
March 2, 2019
I just learned of dennis's passing today. I bow my head and heart in sorrow for this gracious giving gentleman.What a wonderful man. Dennis was the epitome of professionalism and the kindest of heart with humor and the gift of a voice that could help you understand and get you thru any crisis like a wingman. I was a client from the state and i watched him work tirelessly and totally selflessly hour after hour after hour. His demeanor spoke volumes of the strong guided intelligent caring soul he was. We would talk endless about policy and the mechanisms of his job and mine. He was a great protector. He stood up for the wronged and made it right. He told me a storie once of how he told his wife about how i was wronged and that he had to apologize and tell me i was not imagining certain situations. He spoke of his beautiful wife. I so admired him for his love of his wife and family. I knew him for over 13 years. We had the best mutual agreement i was patient in all our dealings and he said i wished all my clients were as patient as you...i know my shock and heavy heavy heart does not even compare to all of dennis's loved ones especially his wife. But know i will always carry his memory in my heart as one of the best hearts i was ever blessed to call friend
Teresa Matteson
August 15, 2018
I just learned of dennis's passing today. I bow my head and heart in sorrow for this gracious giving gentleman.What a wonderful man. Dennis was the epitome of professionalism and the kindest of heart with humor and the gift of a voice that could help you understand and get you thru any crisis like a wingman. I was a client from the state and i watched him work tirelessly and totally selflessly hour after hour after hour. His demeanor spoke volumes of the strong guided intelligent caring soul he was. We would talk endless about policy and the mechanisms of his job and mine. He was a great protector. He stood up for the wronged and made it right. He told me a story once of how he told his wife about how i was wronged and that he had to apologize and tell me i was not imagining certain situations. He spoke of his beautiful wife. I so admired him for his love of his wife and family. I knew him for over 13 years. We had the best mutual agreement i was patient in all our dealings and he said i wished all my clients were as patient as you...i know my shock and heavy heavy heart does not even compare to all of dennis's loved ones especially his wife. But know i will always carry his memory in my heart as one of the best hearts i was ever blessed to call friend
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Alicia Rathbun
April 13, 2018
I just learned of Dennis's passing today. Dennis was my Aflac representative and was very kind. He always reminded me of my grandfather. He was a true gentleman and was always so nice. I remember him mentioning his love for pecan pie around Thanksgiving time. I hope you find comfort in the fond memories of him and know that he was helping those in need like myself by giving them a positive light.
Gloria Gingerella
March 8, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss Jean. Did'nt know him well, but when I was in his presence he seemed like a gentle man and a happy one. God bless him. Prayers for you and family.
Lynn Jordan
February 19, 2018
Rest In Peace Dennis. Thank you for all the help you gave me through the years.
Blessings to you family.
Deborah Santagata
February 13, 2018
My condolences to the Rowe family. Dennis was my AFLAC representative, and he was always so kind and understanding. He went above and beyond to ensure that all was understood and provided much comfort to me. A man of integrity, compassion and a true gentleman. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Chuck Swegles
February 10, 2018
I attended high school with Dennis and have nothing but positive memories. He was a stand up guy and the kind of person you were proud to call a friend. I recall some of our backpacking trips into the Emigrant Wilderness during the early seventies. Fun times. Unfortunately, I lost contact with Dennis after he enlisted in the US Navy. My condolences to family and friends.
Doreen Vendetti
February 9, 2018
So sorry to hear about Dennis he was a wonderful man. Met him at RIC and always helped everyone. Such a shame. RIP DENNIS
Peggy Sammataro
February 9, 2018
Dear Jean and family, I first met Dennis as our AFLAC representative at the University of RI. He was most kind, patient with all my questions and so helpful to all. Our hearts at URI are very sad to learn of his passing. He may have been our AFLAC rep, but he was also a friend to all of us who knew him and a true gentleman. May your memories comfort you in the difficult days ahead and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace and God Bless.
Sharon T
February 9, 2018
Hi I am so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. He was my AFLAC person. I met with him on several occasions and after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, he took care of all my paperwork and submissions. When he notified me that he was also ill, we corresponded a bit, but my last email only a few weeks ago to check on him went unanswered and I assumed the worst was coming. Again, I am so sorry for you loss, what a wonderful and caring person he was and he took such good care of his clients at RIC. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Fred Foster
February 7, 2018
Dear Jean and Diane, Rowe family,
Your husband/father was a caring leader to many lives he impacted. We knew him in his first Chief Of the Boat (COB) assignment on WHALE during 92 & 93. He gave us the leadership of dad and kept us going, learning, and motivated in the dynamic life underway. He took a fallen Chief back to the US from Panama and that stand-up action has been in our conversations since we found out.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, for peace and comfort during this time of mourning.
February 7, 2018
Dear Jeanne and Family,
We are extremely sorry for your loss.
Love, Michael and Charlene (Feraco) Miller
Michael Dipollino
February 7, 2018
Jean,
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family my cousin. May God have Mercy on his Soul and may he rest in the Peace of Christ.
Jim Moulding
February 7, 2018
Dennis was a good sailor and friend. I'm so sorry for the Rowe's family loss. May he Rest in Peace.
John Carcioppolo
February 7, 2018
To the family of Dennis Rowe,
I'm very sorry for your loss.
Dennis was the COB of USS WHALE (SSN 638) at the same time that I was the COB of USS DALLAS (SSN 700).
He later went to be the Officer in Charge of the Brig on SUBASE and I was the CMC.
We established a close relationship there and often if I was on leave or travel he was my number one choice to cover for me.
Dennis was a Shipmate, a good Sailor, a solid Master Chief and just a good guy to be around.
"There is a port of no return where ships may lye at anchor for a little space.
And then some starless night the cable slips leaving only an eddy at the mooring place.
Gulls vear no longer.
Sailor Rest Your Oar.
No tangled wreckage will be washed ashore."
Hand Salute!
Master Chief Rowe . . . Rest Your Oar. We have the Watch.
Ready Two.
John J. Carcioppolo
RMCM(SS) USN (Ret.)
Robert & Sara Esquilin
February 7, 2018
You were always so kind, we could talk forever. You will be missed.
Dawn Jackson
February 7, 2018
To the family of Denise,
I am so very saddened to hear of Denise's passing. I met Denise when not only myself, but my husband, may God rest his soul, battled cancer.
Denise certainly was one of a kind! But I am sure you already knew that!
I pray for peace and comfort for you all in the days ahead!
Denise, thanks for everything. May you rest in the arms of the angels.
Dawn Jackson and family
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