The Bard has bid us farewell. On January 14, 2025, William (Bill) Earl Rowe Jr. entered eternal rest at the age of 94. Born on July 22, 1930, to Katherine Stambough and William Earl Rowe Sr. in Rochester NY, William grew up in Utica before making his longtime home along the Erie Barge canal in Gasport.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his sister, Bette Marie (Robert) Cornelious.

William is survived by his wife of 26 years, Claudia Rowe. He is also survived by his sister Veronica Rowe of Rochester and his brother, Earl Rowe of Florida. He leaves behind daughters Carol (John) Phillips; Beth Ranney, April Sy, and Amber Rowe as well as stepchildren Lucas Herman and the late Wendy Herman, Paula (Kenneth) Adams; Sheryl (Jeff) Bates and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-nephews and dear friends.

William served in the United States Marine Corp from 1948 to 1952 and has flown the U.S. flag outside his home to show his love, respect, and pride for his country. He enjoyed a diverse employment history including working as a door-to-door salesman, an associate at Montgomery Ward, a real estate agent, and as a laborer at Harrison Radiator. He has published three books: Seasons of the Bard, Conversations with Morris, and The Santa's of Mill Run as well as written numerous unpublished works. William admired the colors in nature, collecting unique treasures, listening to music that spans the ages, and enjoyed an ice cream sundae. These were the simple pleasures that filled his life. He was a man of faith and sought out God's grace. He will be remembered fondly for the skip in his step, and the tales and quips he shared.

Visitation will be at the Sherrie-Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main Street, Gasport, NY 14094 Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 -12:00 with a funeral service immediately following at 12:00pm. Burial and military honors will be at the Hartland Cemetery, Ridge Road, Gasport, NY.

With grateful hearts, the family requests that any donation that friends might offer to honor William Rowe be directed to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094 or by calling 716-439-4417.

To share a special memory of William, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.