Robert W. Rowe

Robert W. Rowe, 72, of Sarasota entered eternal life on October 31, 2016. He was born to Don and Ada Rowe on July 3, 1944. As a family, they moved to Sarasota in 1957. He graduated from Sarasota High School in 1962, attended Manatee Community College and Auburn University. He proudly served his country as a Navy SeaBee, during two tours in Vietnam. Bob was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for his meritorious service as a crew leader completing 3 heavy timber bridges and an 80 ft control tower under arduous working conditions. After his military service, his leadership continued locally in the construction industry; which was his lifelong passion. He obtained his Class "A" General Contractor's license in 1982, completing many projects as owner of Rowe Construction, Inc. and co-owner of HR Ventures, Inc. In 1987 he founded Rowe Structures, Inc. specializing in concrete structures. His commercial structures were part of the boom that changed the skylines of downtown Sarasota, Longboat Key and Boca Grande. Bob was a devoted husband to his wife of 39 years, Susan E. Rowe. He was a proud and loving father to his daughter Julianne (Jim) Lindell and his son Robert Tyler (Lisa) Rowe. He was affectionately called Pa by his beloved ten grandchildren who brought him boundless joy: Kali, Ryan, Jonny, Sara, Tripp, Will, Beau, Ryleigh, Sydney, and Brooks. He dearly loved his sister Nancy (Bruce) Rohleder, whose childhood memories expanded into their adulthood with wonderful family gatherings between Sarasota, Grand Cayman and North Carolina. He is also survived by his dear parental aunts, Marian Jones and her family, Bea Wolfe of Los Angeles; as well as his half-brother Don Rowe, Jr. of Asheville. Bob was lovingly nicknamed Gator by his in-laws for his many adventures as a Florida sportsman, and he was Uncle Gator to his many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all his family, and friends too many to count. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jeffrey. Known by many in the community as Bobby, his quick wit and sense of humor, brought smiles to those all around him. His spontaneous one liners and great stories will be lovingly repeated for years to come. As an avid fresh and saltwater fisherman, he always loved being on the water, especially at sunrise and sunset. He and Susie had a mutual deep love of the outdoors and had many wonderful times together enjoying fishing, boating, golfing, four-wheeling, and hiking in North Carolina. Their love of nature was shared by their family and friends who gathered with them often in their mountain get-away. Bob was a charter member of the Sahib Shriners. Over the years his affiliations included the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, volunteering for the children's activities through the Sahib Temple, and volunteer work at the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, Inc. He served on the Board of Directors of the Dolphin Tower Condominium Association, assisting in the restoration of the building. A visitation will be held at Toale Brothers Colonial Chapel in downtown Sarasota on Monday, November 7th from 6 PM – 8 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Church of the Incarnation at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, November 8th, followed by interment at Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate; or the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children, 2105 South Tuttle Ave, Suite B, Sarasota, Florida 34239.

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Robert W. Rowe

July 3, 1944 - October 31, 2016