Joseph Raymond Rowe Sr.

Joseph Raymond Rowe, Sr, 78, known to many as "Joe Rowe", passed away Saturday January 28th, 2017. He was a Tampa native, born to his late parents, Isaac and Myrtle Rowe. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Jewell, Wilson, Larry, Sister Cecelia Rose "Sugie", Dorothy, Bernice and Carmen; and his in-laws, Joseph and Mary Capitano.

Joe led a life full of love. The greatest of these was the love for his grade school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Rosalie Capitano Rowe. They remained devoted to one another and enjoyed celebrating life with their family and close friends.

He graduated from Jesuit High School of Tampa in 1956 and was guided all of his life by the Jesuit mission of being a man for others. He gave of himself unreservedly. He had a kind soul and a glad spirit, and his joy for life was contagious. He needed only smile and the world instantly brightened. This was his very special brand of magic - his positivity and generosity not only helped but also inspired. He took the Jesuit mission and went one step further by empowering those he touched to live as he lived.

Characterized by his integrity and diligence, Joe built several successful, long-term careers. Joe was employed by the Radiant Group of Tampa for 30 years, where he worked in Sales and Distribution. Prior to Radiant, he retired from Kaiser Chemical, where he was employed as the youngest Plant Manager in their operations. He also worked many years alongside Rosalie as an owner and operator of local restaurants and catering businesses in the greater Tampa Bay area.

He was a founding member and active parishioner of St. Lawrence Catholic Church for more than 50 years. He served many roles in the church and school, most notably as a faithful lector during weekly masses. After 50 years of friendship in faith with Monsignor Higgins, he was honored to have been chosen to read during his funeral services.

Joe gladly served others in all that he did. He lived a rich, full life as an active member and leader of many educational, professional, community and religious institutions. Some of his notable acts of service were with the Joshua House of Florida, Father Flannagan's Boys Club, Wellswood Little League (as President), Jesuit Dad's Club and the St. Lawrence Parent's Club (as President). He also served on the board of Equillon and as a proud member of the Port Authority of Tampa.

Joe is survived in death by his beloved Wife Rosalie Capitano Rowe; son Joseph, Rowe, Jr. (Jolene), David Rowe (Amanda), Craig Rowe (Tamara) and Gina Rowe Cacciatore; grandchildren Juliann Rowe, Joseph Rowe, III, Marshall Rowe, Anson Rowe, Nicole Tozzi, Monica Rowe and Phillip George Cacciatore, III ("Trey"); and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Wednesday February 1st, 2017. A funeral Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday February 2nd, 2017 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa. Joe's grandsons, Marshall Rowe and Anson Rowe, will serve as altar servers.

Pall bearers: Dr. Felix Cannella, Joseph Capitano, Sr., Albert Barnes, Robert Lastra, Joseph Aprile, Clarke Ricke, Steven Rey and Joseph Rowe, III. Honorary Pall Bearers: Marshall Rowe, Anson Rowe, Phillip George Cacciatore, III ("Trey"), Michael Barnes, Christopher Barnes, Michael Vargo, Wilson Rowe, Jr., Arthur Green, Richard Green, Pat Rey, Richard Cox, Larry Rowe, Jr., Al Garcia, Jr., Nick Capitano, Joseph Capitano, Jr., Frank David Capitano, Matt Nassif, Danny Aprile, Ronnie Aprile, Autrey Moore, Honorable E.J. Salcines, Dick Stowers, Riley Hogan, Tony Rodriguez, Jack Puls, Wayne Hutson, Joe Garcia, George Tharin, Wayne Vigil, Robert Napolitano Luis Solomon, Santo Lazzara and Enzo Pardo.