Walter "Bud" J Rowles

The youngest child of the late Alton Doughman “Deacon” Rowles and Doris Kline (“McGuffie”), Bud was born in his grandmother’s West Pittston, PA home on July 25, 1933. Bud grew up in Reading, PA where he developed a love for theater and the Philadelphia Phillies. After graduating high school, and at the urging of his older brother, Bud enrolled at Lehigh University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. While there, Bud was a member of the Glee Club which nurtured his love for singing and performing. Bud graduated in 1955 with a BS degree in Civil Engineering and immediately embarked on his professional career by going to work for American Bridge division of US Steel a mere two days after graduation. After his first year at American Bridge, Bud was drafted into the US Army and served for two years at posts in San Francisco and Germany. After serving in the Army, Bud returned to American Bridge in New York City to continue in his career. In 1965, he was relocated to Pittsburgh, PA where he lived and worked for the remainder of his time with American Bridge. While in Pittsburgh, Bud was an avid recreational golfer and continued to feed his passion for performing by appearing in many community theater musical productions. Bud developed a love for professional football and in particular the Pittsburgh Steelers for which he held season tickets the entire time he lived in Pittsburgh. After enjoying a successful, 30-year career at American Bridge where he served in various positions of increasing responsibility, Bud retired in 1985 as the Vice President of Administration and moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Accustomed to working since he was 14 years old; Bud spent his “retirement” on Cape Cod working as a part-time civil consulting engineer, a store manager, and a medical transcriptionist prior to permanently retiring in 2022. While living on Cape Cod, Bud continued to pursue his love for singing and performing through his membership in various church choirs, his participation in the Chatham Chorale Chamber Singers, and performance in various community theater productions. Bud was an active member of The First Congregational Church of Yarmouth where he served on various committees. Bud loved his pastor, Rev. Will Vaus who guided him in his Christian walk and had many friends and mentors that also helped him along the way.

Bud’s greatest love and legacy was his family. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He was truly the patriarch of his family, and they loved him beyond measure. In addition to Dolly, his loving wife of 35 years, Bud is survived by his stepdaughter, Vail Romeyn (Teddy), his three sons Evan Rowles (Michelle Greenawalt), Matt Rowles (Sarah), Brian Rowles (Elaine) and their mother Mary Anne Raye-Rowles, 14 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a burial and memorial service to celebrate Bud’s life held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Bud’s name to First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, 329 MA-6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.