Richard J. Rowan

Richard J. Rowan, Sr, 83, of Galloway, died Sunday, August 31, 2014. He was born August 20, 1931 in Cleveland to the late Rudolph and Mary Rozanc. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving as a division officer in the Korean War. Richard graduated from Case Institute of Technology in 1953 with a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering. He Earned his Master's in Business Administration-Marketing from Syracuse University in 1967. In December 1957, he married Julia Ann Park, a registered nurse from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to whom he was introduced by his brother, Rudie. Richard began his professional career in the U.S. Steel Mills of Cleveland. He advanced to hold senior executive positions at various manufacturing companies including Corning Glass, Continental Can, Rockwell, Bendix, Lear Siegler, Lunkenheimer, and Chesterfield Cylinder, often specializing in "turn around" projects. In his later years he worked in various jobs in Columbus including area hospitals. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed gardening and maintaining his family cars. He coached youth football and was an advisor for Junior Achievement. Richard was devoted to God, family and country and sacrificed to provide quality higher educational opportunities to his children. He always encouraged his grandchildren to focus on their educations and strive to earn their degrees. Richard was a good neighbor and appreciated the many kindnesses of his neighbors and friends, especially his dear friend Tony. He was always proud to share his family wallet photos, including his own young Navy Lieutenant picture, with friends and strangers alike, accompanied by many treasured stories of those loved ones. A family man, a working man, a good and faithful man - Richard's strength and resolve will continue to comfort us and grace our loving memories of him. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother Rudie Rowan. He is survived by Julia (Park) Rowan his loving wife of 57 years, children Carol (Abe) Frank, Kathleen (Joe) Hockaday, Richard (Elizabeth) Rowan, Jr. and Robert (Robin) Rowan, grandchildren Connor, Carrie, Emily, James, Reeves and Parker, sister-in-law Martha Rowan, loving nieces, nephews and extended family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 5, 2014 at 11 AM at St. Cecilia Parish, 434 Norton Rd. Interment in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery Rittman, Ohio. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Columbus or Wounded Warriors Foundation or Fisher House Foundation. Online condolences may be made to www.schoedinger.com.