Obituary of R. Frederick Rowland

ILION – R. Frederick “Fred” Rowland, age 85, of Armory Street, Ilion, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, April 10, 2022, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, with his loving family by his side. Fred was born on June 1, 1936, in Ilion. He was the son of Raymond and Frances (Hammond) Rowland. He was a proud graduate of Ilion Central High School, class of 1955 and Utica College of Syracuse University, in 1977. Fred was also a proud and dedicated member of the U.S. Navy and served from 1957 to 1961. Fred married the love of his life, Ellen Perry, on July 22, 1961, at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion and shared a blessed union of over 52 years until Ellen’s passing on June 30, 2014. Fred worked for General Electric, Utica, in the Aero-space division as a Program Analyst for over 31 years. During this time, he also served his community as a Herkimer County Legislature for 21 dedicated years and Chairman of the Board for two years. Fred later continued as Director of the Herkimer County Veterans Service Agency retiring in 1998. Mr. Rowland was an active parishioner of the Church of the Annunciation and proud supporter of Amvets. Fred was a true gentleman in every sense of the word; humble, respectful and devoted in all ways. He gave of himself to his family, friends and community in a truly selfless way. Fred loved the outdoors and spent many years enjoying it at his family camp on Canadarago Lake in Richfield Springs, NY where he spent time boating, fishing and enjoying special friends. Fred’s true passion however was always spending time with his family and his very special 4-legged friend, Olive. Surviving family members include his daughters and sons-in-law, Jayne and Bruce Morgan, of Ilion and Beth and Brett Hively, of Atlanta, GA; his sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Michele Rowland and Joel and Kelly Rowland, all residents of Ilion; his grandchildren, David Morgan (MacKenzie Sherlock), Jacob Morgan and his wife, Mallory, Matthew Hively, Megan Hively, Cory Rowland, Paige Rowland and her fiancé, Austin Brady, Tria Rowland and Iley Beth Rowland. Fred was also the proud great-grandfather of Benjamin Morgan and soon to arrive, great-granddaughter. He also had two special nieces, Barb Presley and Christine Keough; and several wonderful cousins, in particular, Pam Eargle and Gail Risinger; as well as very special neighbors, Paul, Joe and George. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Ellen; and his sister, Mildred Kirkland. Fred’s family will celebrate his life in a private Graveside Ceremony, at Armory Hill Cemetery, Ilion. For those wishing to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the Ilion Free Public Library Foundation, 78 West St., Ilion, NY 13357, the American Cancer Society, PO Box 42040, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123, or a Mass card in his memory to the Church of the Annunciation, 109 West St., Ilion, NY 13357. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Fred, or add to his online memorial, may go to www.applegateandday.com Fred’s service arrangements and supervision were prearranged and are entrusted to his Family Funeral Director and long-time friend, Don Applegate, at the Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home’s original location, at 102 West St., Ilion, NY (315-895-7722).