Philip Earl Rowe

Philip Earl Rowe passed away at UCONN Health early Thursday morning, May 6th, more than two years after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He credited his unexpected longevity after diagnosis to medical marijuana which bolstered his appetite as well as his spirits. Phil held many different titles: brother, father, son. But by far, his most popular title was that of "friend". A fighter to the end, Phil passed away only after friends who loved him and knew him best had the opportunity to stop by the hospital. Born and raised in East Hartford, son of Philip Rowe of Chicopee, MA, and the late Carolyn Armstrong and her husband Rip Armstrong, Phil is also survived by his son Joshua Rowe of Manchester and his mother, Janice Fagan of Cape Cod; as well as his sister, Beth Armstrong Kluft and her daughter, Samantha, in South Carolina. Philip was recently predeceased by his brother, Adam Rowe. He also leaves behind several cousins and friends who were more like family; among these are Sheryl Cyr and Angie Cinfaglione. Philip had an entrepreneurial spirit which led him in somewhat memorable directions over the years. Over all, he spent his life in the pursuit of pleasure, in all its forms. He lived on his own terms and left behind a vivid legacy of excitement, risk-taking and, sometimes, head-shaking laughter. Phil was also an advocate of accepting others on their own terms. Never one to judge those who struggled, Phil's greatest desire was that everyone could enjoy themselves as much as he enjoyed his life. Intolerant of the suffering of those he loved, Phil would go the extra mile to ensure that his friends and family were well taken care of. The family would like to take the opportunity to thank the staff at UCONN Health ICU and the Palliative Care team for the above and beyond compassion, respect and care that they showed not only to Phil but to the entire family. Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, July 22, at 1pm to Celebrate Phil's life and everything that he meant to us at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com