Obituary of David Anderson Rowan

David Anderson Rowan, 83, beloved husband, adored father and grandfather passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at the Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center with his loving wife and family at his side. Born in Amsterdam, NY on April 27, 1933, he resided both in Amsterdam and later Galway, NY. A son of the late Susanna and John H. Rowan Sr., he was a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School and attended St. Lawrence University. After serving in the US Army during the Korean War, David was employed by the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen # 16 where he worked as a stone mason for over 20 years. He was also employed at Mohawk Dairy in Amsterdam, NY as a route salesman for many years. After retirement, David volunteered his time driving patients to medical appointments for Amsterdam Memorial Hospital and Montgomery County Meals on Wheels program. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Galway, NY. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen M. Bursese, on September 11, 1955 and they enjoyed more than 60 years together. In addition to his beloved wife, survivors include his four loving children, Susanne C.(Bob) Doyle of Niskayuna, NY, Melena A.(Greg) Henzel of Loudonville, NY, John H.(Frances) Rowan III of San Antonio, Texas, and Grace Anderson Rowan of North Richland Hills, Texas. Eight cherished grandchildren, Ryan A. Doyle, Brendan F. Doyle, Breanna N. Rowan, Matthew D. Szal, David L. Rowan, Alexander J. Szal, Rudolph J. "Rudy" Henzel, and Catherine R. Henzel. One great-grandchild, Matthew D." Roman" Szal, Jr.. Also survived by one brother, James P.(Joan) Rowan of Dataw Island, S.C., a sister-in-law, Carmella Oropallo and a brother-in-law, Frank Sterb and several nieces, nephews and cousins. David was predeceased by a brother, John H. Rowan, Jr. and a sister, Margaret Rowan Sterba. The family wishes to thank the excellent staff on the Edison Wing at the Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care throughout Mr. Rowan's time at the center. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 13, 2016 at 11:00A.M. at St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church, Pawling St., Hagaman, NY with Father O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. Interment with full military honors will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, June 12, 2016 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Memorial contributions may be made to Galway Emergency Medical Services,2175 Galway Rd, Galway, NY 12074 or the Galway Food Pantry, 2167 Galway Rd, P.O. Box 31, Galway, NY 12074.