George S. Rowe

George S. Rowe Orange – George S. Rowe, 97, of 383 East River Street, died Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.      George was born in New Castle, New Brunswick, Canada on June 25, 1914, the son of John D. and Florence M. (Sinclair) Rowe.   He grew up in New Castle and Athol, attending school there and has lived in the Athol-Orange area most of his life.  He also lived in Swanzey, Peterborough and Fitzwilliam, NH for several years.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater.        George worked as a custodian for the Templeton, East Templeton and Winchendon School District for many years.  He had previously worked at Foggs Garage in Keene for many years, the L.S. Starrett Company, Rodney Hunt Company, an optical company and for Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH.  He also worked on the Birch Hill Dam during its building.  He enjoyed woodworking all of his life and model building in his later years.  George loved going out to breakfast everyday seeing his many friends which he did for many years up until last week.  He always had a story to tell and many words of wisdom.      His wife of 45 years, Winnifred C. (Anderson) Rowe died in 2010 and his first wife of 25 years, Emeline A. (James) Rowe died in 1964.  He leaves two daughters, Carol Wetherby of Orange and Joanne Elie of Charlestown, NH; three step-sons, Millard W. Chase, Jr. of Warwick, James P. Chase of Hallsville,NC and Richard E. Chase of Baldwinville; two step-daughters, Nancy L. LaRoche of Gardner, and Patricia E. Masaitis of Athol; Winnifred’s step-sons, Allan and Ronald Greenwood; six grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren, many step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, step-great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four brothers, David, Robert, William and Lloyd Rowe, a sister, Dorothy Soucie, a step-daughter, Brenda J. Coe and Winnifred’s step-son, Ralph Greenwood.       A graveside service for both George and Winnifred will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10:00 A.M. at South Cemetery in Orange with the Rev. Mark D. Bariloni, pastor of the Athol-Orange Baptist Church, officiating. The family suggests donations in George’s name be made to: Senator’s Booster’s, c/o Larry Fisher, 100 Winter St., Orange, MA  01364 or a charity of the donor’s choice. Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol, MA is directing arrangements.  Fore more information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });