DEXTER, NY — Gary L. Rowe, 71, of Stone Road, Dexter, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse.
Born Dec. 2, 1947, in Watertown, the son of Vernon and Betty Rowe, he graduated from General Brown High School in 1965.
He joined the US Navy in September 1967 and served in the active Navy and then the Naval Reserve until December 1970.
He married Shirley Cole in December 1968 at the Dexter United Methodist Church.
Gary was employed at Fisher Cast as a machinist until the plant closed and went to work at General Brown School as a maintenance man until retiring in 2016.
He was a member of Smith-Savage Post 583 American Legion, he enjoyed walking in the woods, taking pictures of wildlife, 4-wheeling with Sophie, cutting firewood from his land and spending time with his grandchildren, Saturday morning breakfast at Dexter Diner with the boys.
He is survived by his wife Shirley; three sons, Gary of Dexter, David (Amy) of Gouverneur, NY, and Robert of Florida; and a sister, Debbie (Jim) Onacki of Syracuse.
Eight grandchildren also survive: Taylor, JT, Makenna, MaKenzie, Alexis, Chanclor, Alexys and Emily. Also surviving is his “Beloved Best Friend and Companion Sophie”.
He was predeceased by his parents, Vernon and Betty Rowe, in-laws, Russell and Bonnie Cole, and brothers-in-law, Eddie Cole, Wayne Cole and Mark Cole.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Sunday. March 17, 2019, at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter at 11:00 am.
Donations may be made to the SPCA 25056 Water St. Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences may be sent to dexterfuneralhome.com.
