John W. “Jack” Rowley

Jack was born on August 25, 1928 in Brenizer, PA. Jack grew up in Blairsville, PA and graduated from Blairsville High School in 1946. Jack was drafted into the United States Army on December 5, 1950 and served two years, including seventeen months with the peace-keeping forces in the then Free Territory of Trieste (now part of Italy). Jack graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in 1958 and a Master’s Degree in 1965 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He taught high school mathematics for six years in Pennsylvania, before moving with his family to northeast Ohio in 1963 accepting the position of teacher and Chairman of the Mathematics Department at Kenston High School. Jack devoutly served in this capacity for twenty-seven years retiring in 1991, vigorously promoting his students’ pursuit of excellence in mathematics. Jack’s passion and knowledge of athletics was beneficial to many youths in Geauga County as he coached numerous seasons of Little League baseball in Munson and CYO basketball at St. Mary’s. Jack’s deep loyalty and faith in his Pittsburgh Steelers during his adolescent and young adult years was eventually rewarded with their six Super Bowl victories. Jack is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 56 years, Betty (nee: Mitchell) Rowley of Munson Twp.; his four sons: Brian (Carol) Pickerington, Randall (Barbara) Rocky River, Kevin (Lisa) Greer, SC, Robert (Tami) Houston, TX; his daughter, Mary Beth (Chad) Merinar of Mentor on the Lake; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, E. C. Rowley, Sr. and Elizabeth Young Rowley and his siblings Jean Ferguson, E. C. Rowley Jr. and Dolores Dunmire.Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 9 at 9:00AM at the Church of St. Mary, 401 North Street, Chardon. Burial will immediately follow at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Monday, October 8th at the Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St. (On Rt. 44, 500′ south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) Chardon, OH. Information and condolences on line at www.burrservice.com.