Steven Anthony Rowe

Steven Anthony Rowe - devoted husband, loving & amazing father, and beloved & adored Papa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on October 26, 2022 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Steve was born in Norfolk, Virginia on October 9, 1946 to the late Mary Deuter Rowe and Floyd Rowe.  He grew up in Norfolk with his five siblings and graduated from Princess Anne High School. He was a member of the ROTC and played football & basketball. Steve majored in his favorite subject, history, at William & Mary University where he met his future wife, Barbara.  After college, he served in the US Army as a 1st Lieutenant and eventually, his job with Stewart’s Sandwiches led his family to the Raleigh area where they have lived since 1979.  

When his kids were growing up, Steve was involved with Indian Princesses and Indian Guides and coached several of their CASL soccer teams. Camping at Kerr Lake was his family’s favorite activity. He spent countless hours pulling many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and family friends on waterskis, tubes, and kneeboards behind his boat and singing oldies around the campfire with friends and family. He was excited to share his passion for Duke basketball with everyone he knew and loved a driveway game of basketball with family and neighbors.

Steve never met a stranger.  When his family would go on a vacation, he would go into the gas station to get snacks with his kids and grandkids and come out knowing the life story of every employee.  He enjoyed discovering where the locals ate, leading to many unique and interesting meals.  He enjoyed sharing his love of good food and talking to people during the ten years he owned Leon’s Deli in Cameron Village and then as the owner of an office supply company.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Barbara, daughter Jessica (Bryan), son Adam (Leslie), grandchildren Haley, Austin, Bowie, and Clementine; siblings Pat, Marcia, Chris (Anne), Lori (Mike), and Jon; and over twenty nieces and nephews.  His family will miss his laughs, his stories, his generosity, and most of all his love.  He gave his family a great life full of wonderful memories.

Steve’s family is thankful for the love and care that Seniors Helping Seniors, the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center, Cadence Memory Care of Wake Forest, and Transitions Hospice have shown to Steve and our family over the last couple of years.

A celebration of Steve’s life was held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home followed by a time to visit with the family. Steve's wishes were that everyone dress casual for his services.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center or Transitions LifeCare Hospice

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

www.cswfuneralhome.com