George E. Rowe Sr.

San Juan Bautista native George E. Rowe Sr. passed away last Thursday at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital at the age of 82 years. George attended San Juan Grammar School, graduated from San Benito High School and then enlisted in the Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII. His working career included PG&E; the San Juan School District; and he retired as the Lead Maintenance Person from the Morgan Hill Unified School District after 34 years of service. “He enjoyed having his lunch with the students in the cafeteria when ever he could”, said his family. George loved deep sea fishing off the coast of Monterey; working in his yard; tending to his chickens and his cat; and doing leather work making wallets and purses. He was a life member and Past Commander of the Leslie L. Garrett Post No. 6359 V.F.W. of San Juan Bautista; he helped with construction of the Post after the war. George’s wife Rosie G. Rowe died in 1999. He is survived by his children; Russ Ramirez, (Mary), of Las Vegas, Robert Medina, (Mary), of Georgetown, George Rowe Jr. and Thomas Rowe of San Juan Bautista; Bernadette Vaccarezza, (Ron) and Edmund Rowe, (Sheri), of Hollister. He was predeceased by son John Rowe. Grandchildren surviving are Amara Ramirez, Bonnie Medina, Kimberly Medina, Michael Thomas Rowe, Alex and Kenny Vaccarezza, Robert Rowe, Katherine Rowe, and Wess Rowe, (Andrea), numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and sister Joyce Elane. He was predeceased by brothers, Roy, William, Louis, and Melvin “Curly” Rowe and his good friend Dan Mesa. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 5th from 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home. Family and friends will leave the mortuary Tursday morning at 9:00 A.M. for graveside services commencing promptly at 9;30 A.M. at the San Juan District Cemetery. Donations are preferred to the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation or Leslie L Garret Post 6359, c/o the mortuary chapel.