John Francis Rowen, Jr.

John Francis Rowen, Jr., of Huntingdon Valley, PA, passed on to heaven on the morning of Wednesday December 8, 2021 after 88 years of an amazing life. John was born in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia, PA on April 17, 1933 and lived in the Philadelphia region his entire life. He served his country as a tank driver in the U.S. Army during the Korean War then enjoyed a long career professionally driving tractor trailers as a Teamster for locals 107 and 500. He loved spending time with family, building things (he was a master craftsman), enjoying the life-extending benefits of red wine and dark chocolate, while proudly wearing his veteran baseball caps and teamster’s jacket everywhere. John lived life to the fullest and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, literally giving people the shirt off his back and food off his plate. He had an incredibly kind and generous spirit that will be deeply missed by so many.

John married the love of his life, Rosemary M. Rowen (nee McCartney), on November 17, 1956, whom he survived by 3+ years after 62+ years of a wonderful marriage. He is survived by his 6 adoring children: Rosemary Catton (m. Paul Catton), Christine Rowen, Michael Rowen (m. Lori Rowen), Marybeth Rowen (m. Imran Bajwa), Jo Ann Rowen and John Rowen III (m. Cheryl Rowen); 10 loving grandchildren: John "Jack" Bauerle (engaged to Amanda Mattson), Luke Peterson, Sarah Bauerle, Anthony Rowen (m. Samantha Rowen), Mackenzie Peterson (engaged to Bryce Troyer), Maria Rowen, Jake Rowen, Shawn Bajwa, Kai Rowen, and Daniel Bajwa; and brother, Troy Rowen. John is pre-deceased by siblings: Matilda “Ducky” Baranowski (Henry), Clara Drake, Joseph Rowen (Mary), and Milton Rowen; and parents John Francis Rowen Sr. and Matilda Rowen (née Fey).

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday December 16, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Albert the Great Church, located at 212 Welsh Road in Huntingdon Valley, PA. The funeral will follow at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, followed immediately by a military honors salute. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the non profit, MANNA, whose mission is to prepare and distribute nutritious meals to improve health for people with serious illnesses. MANNA helped John immensely during the past year. https://www.mannapa.org