George E. Rowan, Sr.

East Herkimer – George E. Rowan Sr., “Rebel”, a beloved Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and friend, lived a remarkable life, passing away peacefully in his home, on March 24, 2025, at the age of 90, after a life lived only his way and to the very fullest.

George was born on February 8, 1935, in EAST Herkimer, New York, to the late George F. Rowan and Hilda (Chittenden) Rowan. He graduated from Herkimer High School in 1952.

In 1956, he wed Carole Slyuter, together they welcomed one daughter. In 1959, he married the late Barbara Murray of Oswego where she later blessed him with four children. George was a proud lifetime member of the East Herkimer Community he’d make sure you would remember the EAST part, because that was important. He spent his adulthood traveling the country and became well known for his technical ability as a crane operator, a distinction that earned him immense pride and kept him working right into his 80’s. George was a proud member of the Mohawk Valley Riders, the East Herkimer Fish and Game Club, and the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. If you asked George, he’d be eager to share his stories of working, the fun he had in the after-hours, the jokes, the mischief and all his journeys on the open road. He lived his life on two wheels, a long time Harley enthusiast and the tenacity that dubbed him “Rebel”.

In his later years, he found friendship and winter warmth in the sunny state of Florida. He also enjoyed years tucked away up north in the town of Ohio, in a little cabin his whole family got to enjoy. If you looked about town, you could usually find him in his truck, out on “tour” with his beloved dog co-pilot Bear and later Reba. Mysterious dents in the truck and the troopers out on search could not deter his rebellious spirit from a Stewart’s sandwich and driving to the very end. To his family and friends, George was larger than life: a true living legend, a man who would inspire great folklore one day. More importantly, he was the only man who could never grow old. And yet, here we are - the impossible has happened. Please take this day to share stories and memories of a life well lived we’re certain he’d enjoy every minute of it. George is survived by his loving children, Donna Hartman, Candise Rowan, Traci Rowan, George and Michele Rowan and Cregg (Joellen Clark) Rowan. 12 Grandchildren and 32 Great grandchildren Matthew Hartman (Madalynn, Liviana, Callie) Adam and Andria Hartman (Quinn, Chase, Blake) Kara and Andrew Gage (Mia, Maverick, Drew) Michele Hartman (Dave Calicchia) (Marcela, Aria) Abby Hnydowitz (John Talbot) (Weston, Kyah) Jess Hnydowitz (Preston, Braylon, Roszlynn) Dakota and Christine Lynch (Alexa, Colton, River) Hannah Rowan (Brandon Green) (Landon, Olivia, Harper, Leila) Chelsy and Trevor Copeland (Tanner, Carlei, Tori, Jayce) Dalton Rowan (Courtney Rachon)(Loretta) Chelsy and Andrew Lucia (Jaxon, Carter, Parker) Katelynd Clark (Adam Shova) (Georgie) brother, Robert Rowan and sister-in-law Sylvia Rowan. Several nieces and nephews. Special friends Butch Holden and Jeff Lyon as well as many friends that span across the country.

Predeceased by his father George F. Rowan, mother Hilda Rowan, his beloved sister Lois Wiegand, brother-in-law’s Jerry Sanderson and Robert Wiegand, his ex-wife Barbara Rowan and long- time partner Casey Gilbert.

Special thanks are given to his family who helped care for him at home, especially his daughter Candise, his friend Shelly Mlinar and nurse Georgia, who fondly referred to him as “Boss”.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 3 to 6:30 pm at the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A prayer service will follow at 6:30 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Burial at Mt. View Memorial Gardens, Little Falls, will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Volunteer East Herkimer Fire Department, PO Box 95, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes will be at the funeral home.

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