Robert Dale Rowland, founding partner of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., passed away on November 28, 2019. Born August 25, 1934 in Brownsville, PA, he was 85 years old. He was the youngest of two boys born to the late Albert Earl Rowland and Jane Rowland Coyle.
After receiving his engineering degree at Penn State University, he enlisted as a lieutenant in the Air Force and proudly served his country from 1957-1960. He was posted on several bases, including Carswell AFB in Texas, Pinecastle AFB in Orlando, FL, McGuire AFB where he was stationed in Thule, Greenland, and March AFB in Riverside, CA. He always spoke highly of each of his posts, but truly enjoyed his experiences in Greenland.
Having met the love of his life, Jean Kunkle Rowland, while at Penn State, they started their life journey after his return from Greenland in Riverside, CA where their mutual love for anything Disney began. They both loved to travel, but their favorite trips were certainly to Walt Disney World.
In 1964, he co-founded the civil engineering firm Herbert Associates, Inc., which would become Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. What started in humble beginnings has now become the company he envisioned so many years ago.
Bob will always be remembered for his servant attitude and generosity to so many, including organizations like the Boys Scouts of America, many local historical societies, and local communities. While he has many varied interests, including photography, it would be said that he was passionate about all he took an interest in. He was the key organizer for a group of college friends who had annual reunions until recently, and many other groups that he would consistently gather together.
Most of all, he will be remembered for his love of family. His favorite times, even as he aged, were when his entire family was together. Known as the family planner, he organized many family reunions at Deep Creek Lake, MD, where his family vacationed growing up and at Walt Disney World. After his grandchildren arrived, he loved sharing the wonderful world of Disney with them as often as possible. Everyone knew his love of Goofy!!
Settling in Camp Hill in the early 1960’s, he and Jean adopted two children, Karen (Rowland) Steyers and David Rowland, who count themselves as the lucky ones to have been blessed with them for parents.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Albert (Bud) Earl Rowland, his wife, Jean (Kunkle) Rowland.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Rowland) Steyers and her son Timothy, of Hershey, PA as well as his son, David Rowland, his wife Sherri and their daughters, Alyssa and Erica of Harrisburg, PA.
The family will have a private burial service at Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the Hershey Country Club from 1-4pm.
The family requests no flowers, however, donations are greatly appreciated for the following: Hospice for All Seasons Foundation 280 South Hill Drive, Grantville, PA 17028 or the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Harrisburg Chapter, 2595 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rowland family.
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I have so many fond memories of Bob Rowland. I was married to his brother Albert E. Rowland, Jr. in 1984. Bob was the historian of our family and arranged to have family reunions with our family and Robert’s family, including grandchildren. Bob was so special and loved by so many. RIP Edna Hazlett Rowland