Edward John Rowan

1935 - 2021

Edward John Rowan (Ripper)
Monaca - Edward John Rowan, 86, of Monaca, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family.
Ed was born on February 16, 1935 to the late Edward and Anna (Kalcevic) Rowan of Monaca. He was a graduate of Monaca High School (class of '53) before going to work at J&L Steel where he worked for 34 years. Ed also served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post 580, Beaver Valley Sportsmans, and Monaca Turners. He was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca where he sang in the choir next to his beloved late wife, Ann. Ever the handyman, Ed enjoyed helping his children with anything that needed fixed and loved woodworking in his spare time. A lifelong Notre Dame fan, Ed also cherished his Irish heritage and shared it with the community, even dressing up as a leprechaun one year for St. Patrick's Day.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Genevieve Ann (Dusold) Rowan and his brother, Michael T. Rowan.
He is survived by his five sons, Edward (Rhonda) Rowan of Monaca, Patrick (Nancy) Rowan of Thatcher, Arizona, Michael Rowan of Thatcher, Arizona, Shawn (Diane) Rowan of Jupiter, Florida, and James (Chrissy) Rowan of Tarpon Springs, Florida; two daughters, Genevieve Ann (Ronald) Christ of Harrisburg and Katherine (Rick) Sedlacek of Monaca; 22 grandchildren (who lovingly called him Pappy); 19 great-grandchildren and three on the way; three sisters-in-law, Ilene (Michael) Rowan of Monaca, Emogene Dusold of Chippewa Township, Roberta Dusold of Midland and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Debbie Hostetter and Sharon Massie, for their loving care of our father who they treated as their own, as well as Sierra Hans and JoEllen Bursley, his hospice nurses, for their compassionate care in his final days. The family would also like to thank Lizzie Cain for her assistance in arranging Ed's care.
Friends will be received on Sunday, July 25th, 2021, from 2 to 6pm at SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, where prayers will be offered on Monday, July 26th at 9:30am followed by mass of Christian burial at 10am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Monaca. Private interment will take place in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made in his name to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Gateway Hospice.
To share online condolences, view his video tribute, light a memorial candle, add photos and other information, please visit his permanent memorial at simpsonfuneralhome.com