John Strack Rowe

John Strack Rowe, 80, of Saratoga Road, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon at his home after a lengthy illness. His wife and daughter were at his side. Born in Amsterdam, where he lived most of his life, he was the son of the late Frank D., Sr. and Marie Strack Rowe and was a 1945 graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch High School. After a brief time at the General Electric Company as an electrician?s apprentice, he entered the US Army where he served as a military policeman in Japan and in the states. Following his honorable discharge in 1950 he returned to Amsterdam. In 1952, John began his long career as a fire fighter for the city. This was to become his passion, and even in later years, and retired, he still loved anything related to firefighting and enjoyed listening to his scanner. He retired in 1973, and later worked for Electrometrics until 1985. He was a member of the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department for a time. On April 24, 1955, he was united in marriage to the former Marlene C. Cheney. In addition to his wife, he leaves his daughter, Andrea and her husband Christopher Goldy of Galway; John was a special Pop Pop to Kyle Goldy of Galway; and nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. His identical twin brother, Frank D. Rowe Jr., and a sister, Gertrude Haight predeceased him. At John?s request, services are at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in St. Mary?s Cemetery, Ft. Johnson. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the East Glenville Volunteer Fire Department in care of the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam 12010.