GLOUCESTER: Daniel J. Rowe, Sr., 65, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, died Wednesday, March 16, 2011 in the Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Born in Gloucester on August 18, 1945, he was the son of the late Robert A. Rowe and Stella (Herrick) Rowe Flannagan.
A U.S. Army veteran, he served his country from June of 1965 until September of 1973. Dan had received numerous medals from his two tours of duty in Vietnam and was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. He was a member of the Lester S. Wass Post #3, American Legion and also a life member of the Purple Heart Club.
Upon his return to the United States, he worked as a machine operator for the Cape Ann Anchor and Forge Company and the former Cape Ann Tool Company. He had also been employed by the Cape Ann Marina as a night watchman.
Having grandparents who had emigrated from Ireland, he was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. His family will remember him for his sense of humor, quick wit, and always looking for a way to make someone smile. He looked forward to heading down town to meet up with friends and cruise the boulevard in his chair. He was quick to lend a hand and always won the ladies over with his bright blue eyes.
He is survived by his children, Kristen (Rowe) Williamson, wife of Steven, Daniel J., Jr., husband of Joyce (Sanfilippo) Rowe, Ruth Rowe, Rian (Rowe) Borges-Docarmo, wife of Deyvid Docarmo, and Jeffrey, husband of Alyssa (Greenman) Rowe; eleven grandchildren, two of whom were very special to him, Maia and Logan; two great-grandchildren, a special companion, Linda Hill and her children, Shannon and Matthew, five siblings, David Rowe, Robert Rowe, James Rowe and Diane Rowe Thompson and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held on Monday afternoon in the Trinity Congregational Church, 70 Middle Street, Gloucester at 2 p.m. A period of visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from 1 – 2 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In keeping with his wishes, interment will be held in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the family c/o Rian Borges-Docarmo, 17 Norseman Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930.