Obituary

Mark Stephen Rowe passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family, his daughter, son, son-in-law, and two brothers, at his side.

Born in Niskayuna, New York and raised in Gloversville, New York, Mark was a proud graduate of Gloversville High School, Class of 1973. In his younger years, Mark lived freely and on his own terms. His late teens and twenties were filled with adventure, working construction jobs, traveling, and embracing the freedom of answering to no one. He lived boldly, fully, and without apology.

One of his greatest joys in life was his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He loved the open road and took every chance he could to ride. The feeling of freedom on his bike perfectly matched his adventurous spirit.

In his thirties, Mark returned to his roots in Gloversville, where he built a quiet, steady life. He spent the rest of his adult years in the town he called home, retiring from Walmart Distribution Center in 2020 after many years of dedicated work.

After retirement, Mark enjoyed his mornings working out at Fit Happens in Gloversville, where he found both routine and community.

Mark had a deep love for sports, especially baseball and football, and was a constant presence at his children’s baseball and field hockey games throughout their upbringing. He even took on the role of Little League coach in the 1990s.

Though he spent the last 18 years of his life living alone, Mark found peace and comfort in simplicity: morning coffee, the newspaper, and the stillness of early hours; a place his children were always welcome home. In his later years, he reconnected with old classmates, often sharing stories and laughs over ice cream, a live music concert or a car show. He never turned down a sweet treat, especially a slice of apple pie in the fall.

Mark had a soft spot for his son’s late dog, Jax, and always looked forward to Halloween night, trick-or-treating with his beloved grandchildren. One of his most cherished places was the beach, where he found deep peace watching the waves with his headphones in: a treasured tradition with his family each summer for the last five years.

Over the past year, Mark faced a tough health battle, one that he fought with remarkable strength and determination. Even through the hardest moments, he never lost his sense of humor or his quiet resilience. His courage was an inspiration to all who loved him.

In the final months of his life, Mark was surrounded by unwavering love and support from his brothers, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Their time together brought comfort and laughter, which they are endlessly thankful for.

Mark is survived by his loving family: brothers David Rowe and Donn (Roseanne) Rowe; daughter Marian (Zach) Eck; son Steven Rowe; his three adored grandchildren, Annabelle, Tucker, and Scarlett Eck; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, William S. Rowe III and Lillian Catherine (Trainor) Rowe; his brother William S. Rowe IV; and his sister Joy (Michael) Leach.

Mark will be remembered for his independence, his quiet strength, his love for his family, and the way he found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Whether cruising on his Harley, cheering on a game, or watching the waves roll in, Mark lived life his way.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the East Galway Cemetery, Galway NY to take place at 11:00 AM. Afterwards, the family welcomes all to continue the celebration of Mark's life at the C & R Restaurant, 1396 Route 29, Galway NY.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mark S. Rowe, please visit our flower store.

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