Dr. Daniel Rowe

DANIEL H. ROWE, M.D. Daniel H. Rowe, M.D. F.A.C.S., 93, one of this area's most prominent and respected physicians-surgeons, passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012. Dr. Rowe was predeceased by his wife, Margaret. He is survived by his sons, John (Kay), David, and Terrence (Judy) all of West Palm Beach, and Donald of Ft. Lauderdale. He is also survived by his step-children, Kelly Woodward, Patrick (Suzanne) Woodward, and John (Jennifer) Woodward. Dr. Rowe was born in the French Quarters of New Orleans, LA on February 28, 1919. He was the only child of Jacob Henry Rowe and Marion Newton Rowe, and was raised for a time by his grandmother, in Pascagoula, MS. During high school he worked for Joseph Haspel of Haspel Suit fame who tried to get him to work for him, instead of following his dream of being a Doctor. Dr. Rowe attended Tulane University on a boxing scholarship and graduated with a BA in History in 1939. He worked for the telephone company for a short time in New Orleans. Dr. Rowe later attended LSU, earning a BS degree in Chemistry in 1942 while also attending LSU Medical School. He received his degree from LSU Medical School in 1943. Upon completion of his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans in 1944, he was immediately called into service for World War II. Dr. Rowe served as a battalion medical officer-surgeon at an aid station in the Philippines. He was preparing to be part of the invasion of Japan when the war ended. Once the war ended, he treated recently released POW's from Japan. After World War II, he became the Health Director for Desoto, Hardee and Charlotte Counties while living in Arcadia, FL. From 1948-1951, Dr. Rowe completed his residency and served as Chief Resident of OB-GYN at Boston City Hospital. He also instructed at Tufts University and Boston University, while living in Boston and studied Pathology at Harvard Medical School. At the outbreak of the Korean War, he joined the United States Air Force and served at the old Orlando Air Force Base from 1951-1954. Dr. Rowe instructed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology for a brief time, before completing his tour. Upon becoming Board Certified in OB-GYN, Dr. Rowe started his OB-GYN practice in West Palm Beach. He was also the medical consultant for the former Palm Beach Air Force Base, formerly known as Morrison Field at West Palm Beach, where he delivered numerous babies. Dr Rowe's first office was a room in Dr. Cecil Peek's office that is now the site of Trump Plaza on Flagler Drive. He kept a small cage of rabbits in the open field just north of the building for pregnancy testing. On September 1, 1954 Dr. Rowe moved into the Citizens Building in downtown West Palm Beach. In the late 1950's he brought the late Jack Fealy, M.D. to West Palm Beach to join his practice. Dr. Rowe would later build one of the first medical offices on Flagler Drive. In 1966, he brought the late I. David Bono, M.D. into his practice and later Harvey Hathaway, M.D. They maintained offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach, and he served on the staffs of Palm Beach Gardens, St. Mary's, Good Samaritan, JFK and Doctors Hospitals. He also delivered many babies at the old Pine Ridge Hospital in West Palm Beach. Dr. Rowe was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American College of OB-GYN, and numerous other medical societies. After 38 years of practice, he retired in 1993 and accepted a position of Ombudsman for the State of Florida to the nursing homes in Palm Beach County. He also became the Medical Director for Palm Beach Research from 1995 until just before his passing. At Palm Beach Research Dr. Rowe continued to use his training and experience in the research of new medical procedures and medications. The exact number of babies Dr. Rowe delivered over his career will never be known, but he delivered thousands of babies including close to 6,000 in Palm Beach County alone. Dr. Rowe always had a strong affection for his patients and staff. He provided the same quality of care for all his patients whether they were the wives of the most powerful politicians and industrialists or wives of everyday working people. Dr. Rowe was a member of The Everglades Club and the Palm Beach Yacht Club at the time of his passing. Dr. Rowe's sons extend their sincere gratitude to all the Doctors and staffs who provided for him in his final days. We particularly thank Dr. Bill Simons for his care and dedication and Mr. Jean Lundy, who was his caregiver during his last days. We also express our appreciation to Sandy, Connie, and Ric of Horizon Nursing and Chrissie, Latoya and Mary Jane from First Choice Nursing. The family will receive friends during visitation on Thursday, April 26, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at QUATTLEBAUM FUNERAL HOME, 1201 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Rowe specifically, asked that contributions be made, in his name, to "CARP", 5410 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407. Donations may be made online at www.carpinc.org QUATTLEBAUM FUNERAL HOME Family Owned and Operated (561) 832-5171 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries .Published in The Palm Beach Post from April 24 to May 1, 2012 .