John D. Rowe

     John D. Rowe married Pat Rowe. He died on 1 November 2025 at Hagerstown, Washington, Md.; Mr. John David Rowe, Jr., 88, of Hagerstown, died very early Saturday morning, November 1, 2025, at Doey's House, Hospice of Washington County. He was the husband of Mrs. Patricia Fizer Rowe, his wife of 67 years.

Born June 23, 1937, in Washington County, he was the son of the late John David, Sr., and Catherine Nield Rowe. He grew up with five siblings.

John graduated from Hagerstown High School in 1955. He furthered his education at Hagerstown Junior College, as well as completing accounting and other business-related courses at institutes of higher learning, such as Penn State and Loyola College, attributing to his background in bookkeeping systems. He was employed with the Hagerstown Cash Register Company for approximately 30 years, where he became Executive Vice President prior to its demise.

John served in the US Army from 1960-1962, where he was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, with the 143rd Signal Corps. Following his military tour of duty, he enrolled in training classes with Henson Aviation, thus earning his private and commercial license, as well as instrument and multi-engine ratings. At a later date he then received his float-plane certification in Winter Haven, Florida, and became a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

Additionally, John was a member of American Legion, Morris Frock Post 42, Hagerstown, and Potomac Fish and Game Club, Williamsport. He was a past member of Hagerstown Lions Club, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 378, Hagerstown, and Hagerstown Chamber of Commerce. Also, as an Amateur Radio Operator, he had been a member of the Antietam Radio Association. The call letter he used most of his life was W3YFZ.

He was a Protestant by faith. He had been a member of the former St. Paul's EUB Church, Hagerstown, where he and his wife, Pat, were married in 1958, by the late Dr. Lester Kauffman.

John loved water sports and boating, flying his favorite aircraft, and traveling in his younger years with his family and friends. The most interesting journey he made was to the Asian Countries of Japan and China where he experienced the diversity of cultures and religions.

He truly enjoyed helping others along life's journey. According to the words of his daughter, Tammy, "Dad was a wonderful and loving father. He was always there for me when I needed him the most." John was a very giving person, being kind in both word and deed. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

Besides his wife, John is survived by his daughter Tammy Kay Rowe of Hagerstown, and siblings Jerry L. and Gary W. Rowe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Donna J. Peters, Christine Hines, and Larry Rowe.

The Andrew K. Coffman Funeral Home, Hagerstown, is assisting the family with arrangements. A private service and committal will be held at the convenience of the family.

John's family wishes to give a "Big Thank You" to the medical personnel with Hospice of Washington County who offered comfort to John in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions in Mr. Rowe's name to the charity of one's choice.

Those desiring may offer condolences to the family at:

www.akcoffmanfh.com.