Obituary of Alfred J. Rowback

Alfred J. Rowback Sr., also known to his family and friends as "Al" or "Corkey", 70, of Gloversville, NY, was at home surrounded by his loving family when he received his call on Friday, February 23rd, 2018. He was given an offer he couldn't refuse; to be reunited with his loved ones who have passed before him. On July 13th, 1947, Al was given the gift of life. A gift he spent wisely and made the most of. Al attended local schools. On August 20th, 1964 he bravely enlisted into the military and courageously served his country in the Vietnam war as a Navy Seal. He toured 2 terms before moving on to the Army National Guard, where he proudly served 9 more years. Al worked at General Electric in Schenectady, NY for 37 years prior to earning his retirement in 2010. He also spent 15 years with the New York State Thruway. Al no doubt was a dedicated and hardworking man, on his down time he enjoyed hunting. After he retired from the work force he took up gardening with his grandchildren and his neighbors. They spent many hours taking care of the community garden on Fremont St. in Gloversville. He enjoyed sitting on his porch with his dog and enjoyed taking frequent trips with his brother Jim and his granddaughters, Kyra A.K.A "Mortimer" and Alysa A.K.A "Charlie". He was a devoted family man who cared deeply about his family. Al is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Patricia Warner-Rowback; his children, Candi Rowback (Daniel Sitterly Sr.), Alfred Rowback (Christina Taylor), Stacy Rowback, and Billie Jo (Kurt) Baird; his grandchildren, three of which he raised, Justice (Kendra) Culver, Cory Rowback-Whitman, and Anthony Rowback. His grandchildren, Kyle Baird, Kyra "Mortimer" Baird, Alysa "Charlie" Baird, Katelynn (Dylan) Spencer, Nikolaus Rowback, Isaiah "Bubba" Rowback, Chelsea Rowback, and Ayriana "JoJo" Rowback; his great grandchildren, Pheyton Spencer, Jordan Rowback, and baby Baird who is expected to arrive in August; his brothers, James "Jim" Rowback, Edward Rowback, and David Rowback; his close friends Eric Steenberg, Shannon Neeley, and Tasha Taylor; and his fur companion, Bos'n. Many more loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends also survive. Al is predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Betty Schrader- Rowback; and his baby brother Earl Rowback. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 1st, 2018 at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to: The Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, MC-119 · Albany, New York 12208-3478, or James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 9 Mile Tree Rd, Gloversville, NY 12078. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online Memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.