Bert W. Rowe

Bert W. Rowe, 84, of Canton, New York, died on Friday, October 20, 2017, at home with his loving family by his side, while under the care of Hospice.   A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the O’Leary Funeral Home in Canton, NY.  The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm followed by the memorial service at 2:00 pm.

 Bert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Katherine; his six children, Katherine Bowman; Denise (Jerry) Hess; Bernard (Karen) Rowe; Janet Rowe, Elizabeth (John) Gallup and Rodney Rowe;  his grandchildren, Dustin and Matthew Bowman; Joshua Hess and Krista (Hess) Fuller; Meghan and Kristine Rowe; Jacob, Will and Luke Gallup;  and his great-grandchildren, Reese and Oakley Fuller.

Bert is predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Elizabeth Rowe.

Bert was born April 6, 1933, in Malone, New York, the son of the late Floyd and Alice (Cardinal) Rowe. Bert graduated from Tupper Lake High School.  At the age 17, he joined the US NAVY and served during the Korean War.  In later years, Bert served as an ARMY reservist for another 16 years. On February 12, 1955, Bert married Katherine Babbitt. He worked for 13 years at J&L Steel in Star Lake, before achieving his dream of becoming a policeman by joining the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department in 1967, serving as a Sheriff’s Deputy then as a Juvenile Aid Officer before retiring after 27 years.  Following his retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, Bert worked as a court security officer for several years.

Bert received the New York State Police Juvenile Officers Association Officer of the Year award, the New York State Sheriff’s Association Carl Draxler Officer of the Year runner up award, the American Legion 420 Outstanding Police Officer award and the first St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Officer of the Year award.  Bert’s career as a Juvenile Aid Officer was dear to his heart and he touched many children with his caring attitude. Bert was very active with several community programs and organizations, including the Sheriff’s summer camp program, crime prevention program and boating and bicycle safety programs.

Bert will be remembered most for his sense of humor, the twinkle in his eyes and his love of apple pie. He treasured his family and it was obvious to them how much he cared.  He had a particular bond with his youngest son Rodney and they went on many adventures together.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the NYS Sheriff’s Institute and Summer Camp (for SLC kids), 27 Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207 or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 6805 US Hwy 11; Potsdam, New York 13676.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Bert’s family by visiting www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton. 

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