Birth date: Feb 5, 1930 Death date: Oct 14, 2017
Orville C. Rowley, Jr. "Always a Gentleman" Orville Charles Rowley Jr., age 87 of Lewes, DE, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Delaware Hospice Center, in Milford, DE after a long battle with brain cancer. He was born Read Obituary
Nicest man ever. I met him when i was a kid back in the late 90% and everyone i knew loved the man. I remember he always had a brand new beautiful Cadillac every year. I never heard anyone say a bad thing about him ever. My mother had him as principal at Pleasant Valley in South Windsor back in the 80's. Miss Collins.. and of course miss sweetlicky the Librarian. Mr Collins the gym teacher. Then the monster mr horn.. violent as always.
Mr McAlister..I'm very sorry for your loss. You and all in his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr Rowley ...He was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Norway Street School in Longmeadow, Mass. We were all sad to leave grade 5, but so excited at the beginning of grade 6 to realize we would have him for another year. We had a homework assignment on day one in 6th grade, and none of us were too happy about that, but..... He was a strong teacher who challenged us to think and learn and become our best. My favorite grade school teacher and a gift to so many students. I have fond memories of my time in his class and I'm thankful he was there to help me grow.
Sally Elliott VanderLeest
Friendship, Maryland
I was fortunate to be one of his students at Norway St. School in Longmeadow, MA for 5th and 6th grades from 59-61. Mr. Rowley made school fun and interesting. We made a volcano that erupted authentically. He started an astronomy group that met at night in a student's backyard...an unheard of learning opportunity in those days. His is car, a 1957-ish something, had awesome fins not seen before in my in Longmeadow neighborhood. He has been a role model for me in my life and I realize he was a pioneer in many ways. My condolences to his partner, family, friends and the many students who remember him as I do. Thanks, Mr. Rowley.
My thoughts and prayers to his partner and all whose lives "Mr. Rowley" touched. He was both my fifth and sixth grade teacher at Norway Street School in Longmeadow many years ago. He was incredibly innovative in his teaching, one who really understood how children learned. Lots of emphasis on hands on experiences. I remember our class trip to NYC to visit the United Nations, followed by our presentation of a mock Security Council meeting back in the class. And the bike ride to Forest Park with him and Mr. Green, his intern. I'm certain I am not the only one whose teaching career was influenced by my time with him. Memories of Mr. Rowley will always put a smile on my face!
Susan Guertin Devick
West Palm Beach, Florida
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mr Rowley was my favorite teacher going all the way back to Tiffany St Elementary School. 50 years later and the memories are still fresh. Who can forget doing leg lifts in gym class and having Mr. Rowley walk across all of us standing on our stomachs as he passed. And trying to out sing Mr Right's class which was right next door. Thank you Mr Rowley. I'm a better person because of you.
A beautiful light has left the Earth, but heaven is all the brighter. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jim, at this very difficult time. We are all so grateful for the love and care you provided to our dear Or.
Love, John, Donna, John, Sarah and Emily
Mr Rowley was probably tied for my most favorite teacher of all time. He and Kathy ( Dwyer) Joyal, both at Tiffany St School. He was a charismatic and creative teacher of all subjects. Everything was interesting and fun that year! He had a beautiful singing voice and music class was a blast , even if one wasn't musically inclined. We "Christmas caroled " through the halls of the school, singing in 3 part harmony, and entertaining all the other students. Gym class was fun ( probably the only year for me!) as he set up obstacle courses and made up competitive games that were great exercise and fun at the same time. He would entertain us with his gymnastics! A truly memorable teacher and human being.
My sincere condolences to his loved ones. Heaven has one more angel to add to their chorus😇
Susan ( Farioli) Brookes
Hampden MA
Jim, I’m so sorry for your loss. Hold fast to the many wonderful memories that you and Orville created and shared together. Orville was a lovely, caring man with a wonderful sense of humor. God bless. Hugs being sent.
Duwayne Litz
