Richard Yates (Dick) Rowley

Dick Rowley, 86, of Aurora, died January 25, 2022 at Hillcrest Hospital surrounded by loved ones.  Born in Erie, PA, Dick attended Millcreek High School and earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford. He served in the US Army in the 1950’s, and later got his M.B.A. from University of Toledo. As his father’s firm, The Keystone Brass Works was acquired, he joined Owens Illinois in Toledo for 32 years, later becoming Senior Compensation Consultant.  He retired from National City Bank in Cleveland after transferring back from Kalamazoo.  He married Sandra Hegg in 1974 and was a supportive husband and the loving father of her children.  He was an avid golfer having played on the Stanford golf team and played many matches and tournaments. He acted as Marshall at the US Open. Long time member of the Toledo Country Club, he enjoyed tennis and paddle tennis as well as parties and dances.

In the winters he’d either make a backyard ice skating rink or take the kids on the Maumee River, making smooth ice with the sump pump.  He built swings, decks, bike racks and a diving dock for his family and planned fun vacations. After he captained the pontoon boat and sailboat, adventures on the river and lake added to the family’s and friends’ joy.  Grandpa Dick bounced all the babies on his knee and took them to the circus.   He even started a balloon business at Portside Mall called Up, Up & Away with Dave and Margie Osborn as partners, teaching his kids how to be entrepreneurs and deal with the public.   Before that he advised a Junior Achievement group.

In younger years Dick was a great dancer known for his free-wheeling style.  With Sandy he hosted countless parties, gourmet group and family gatherings. His other hobbies included reading, writing, appreciation for musicals, opera, symphonies, jazz and pop music and planning big events.   He even wrote birthday limericks.  He loved watching golf, football and movies.

For three decades Dick attended First Presbyterian Church of Maumee, where he was an elder, enthusiastic leader of the Mission Commission, and taught Sunday school to kids. After moving and joining The Church in Aurora in the late 90’s, he visited members of the church, was an usher, and helped transcribe published sermons.  He became Director of Habitat for Humanity of Portage County and President of Rotary in Aurora. He also served as President of the Russett Woods Association. A very faithful Christian, he was blessed to be in Bible studies and have all his friends at Atrium at Anna Maria, doing water exercise and playing pool. In their words, “dear sweet man, very spiritual, wonderful man, never an unkind word about anyone, very positive, never complains, very complimentary, there’s no one like Dick and there never will be. “ Quite simply he was the world’s greatest listener.  He was a fine conversationalist, a very good friend, celebrated life and was full of joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Charlotte Rowley, his brother, Jim Rowley and son-in-law Burckhard Flemming.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandra Rowley, his children Sarah Flemming, Matthew (Christy) Rowley, his grandchildren Ellen Flemming, Andrew Flemming, Dillon Flemming, Nick Hemmert, Aiden Hemmert, Kennedy Rowley, Averi Hemmert,  Addison Rowley, Sonja Stolmar, sister-in Law Phyllis Rowley, three nephews and their wives, eight great nieces and nephews, cousins and his dear friend who was like a brother, Denny Mervis.  A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. at The Church in Aurora in Aurora, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Portage County.  www.habitatofportage.org