Orville C. Rowley Jr., always a gentleman
Orville Charles Rowley Jr., 87, of Lewes, passed away Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford after a long battle with brain cancer. He was born Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1930, in Springfield, Mass., son of the late Orville C. Sr. and Hazel (Mott) Rowley.
Orville was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, having served during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Springfield Technical High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from American International, a master’s degree from Springfield College, and a professional certificate from the University of Connecticut. Orville retired as principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary School in South Windsor, Conn., after a long and esteemed career. He was a lifelong member of Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, and a member of D. Sherwood Lodge of Masons in East Longmeadow, Mass., where he resided for 26 years before moving to Lewes. Orville was a loving and devoted partner, cousin, godfather and friend. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Orville was preceded in death by his aunt, Barbara Rowley; his uncle, John Mott; and his cousin, Barbara French. He is survived by his partner, Jim McAlister; his cousin, Judith Lemire; his godsons: Adam Vernadakis and Ben Vernadakis; and his goddaughter, Donna Calabrese.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at a later date. All arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Orville's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
Visit Orville's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
