Jon Rowe

Phoenicia-

Jon Rowe, 80, of Phoenicia died peacefully at home on March 26, 2024 with his family beside him. He was born in Kingston July 29,1943 son of the late William and Beth Willey Rowe and grew up in Hurley. Jon enlisted in the US Navy in 1962. His ship was part of the Cuban Blockade. He was a Navy Radioman on the aircraft carriers USS Wasp and the USS Ranger and served in Japan, the Philippines, Alaska and Viet Nam. He was in Alaska when the earthquake hit in 1964. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and the National Defense Service Medal.  Following his service in the Navy, Jon worked for the phone company for a time and then moved on to truck driving which he did for the rest of his working years, as an owner/operator and then as a Teamster. He lived all over the country but after returning to this area in 1996, he met Veronica, his wife of twenty seven years. They loved traveling together. They spent a lot of time in St. Croix, USVI and made trips to Ireland, Mexico, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. They also enjoyed vacationing in Lake George and Cape Cod and spending winters in Florida. Jon had motorcycles for most of his adult life and many fun trips were made on his Harley. When home in Phoenicia Jon loved working on landscaping the property. He had a great eye for design and created a beautiful and serene back yard where he and family and friends could relax stream side and often catch a glimpse of the bald eagles that frequent their property. Jon looked forward to visits with Alison, his stepdaughter, when she came to Phoenicia or when he and Veronica visited her. “Papa Jon” became a great grand father two years ago and loved spending time with his grandchildren and three little great granddaughters. He also loved playing with his devoted dog, Jake.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica, step daughter Alison Lennox a son, Jon (Amy) and daughters Jenna and Vanessa, two grandchildren, Jon (Victoria) and Alyssa (Dustin) three great grand daughters, a niece Julie (Scott), nephew, David, and Roger Strout his brother-in-law.  His sister, Melinda Strout, predeceased him.

A Memorial Mass will be held April 13 at 11am at the St. Francis de Sales Church, Main St. Phoenicia.  Burial with military honors at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.  The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HVHospice.org   Arrangements under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home, Phoenicia.   You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence with the family on Jon's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jon Rowe, please visit our floral store.