Philip Rowe Obituary

Philip Henry Rowe passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 7,
2024 after a long and full life.
Phil - better known now as "Bumpa" - found immense joy spending time with family and
friends, especially the annual Fourth of July cookout on the Cape, golfing with his
trademark 'just walk up and hit it' swing, fishing and kayaking at the lake house in
Maine, cheering for - and yelling at - his beloved Red Sox at home and at Fenway,
attending every possible sporting event of his 3 children and 7 grandchildren, gardening
until dark and sharing his vegetables with all his neighbors, and snuggling with his dogs
and cats that adored him.
He was born in Somersworth, NH on January 1, 1937. John and Gertrude Rowe
welcomed Phil into their Madbury, NH home, and gave him a loving and strong
background for life ahead.
Phil attended grade school in Durham. He attended Gould Academy in Bethel, ME for
high school where he was involved in football, basketball and baseball.
After graduating from Gould, Phil attended the University of New Hampshire in the
Liberal Arts curriculum. Upon completing his freshman year, he volunteered to serve
four years in the Navy, spending time in Washington, DC, Memphis, TN, and Beeville,
TX, earning the rank of aviation mechanic, second class.
In July of 1960, Phil re-enrolled at UNH. It was at this time that he met his forever love
and future wife, Marcia Collins.
He graduated in 1963 with a major in Government and a minor in History. After
graduation, he returned to Washington, DC and was employed by Marriott Corporation
as an assistant manager. Phil and Marcia were married on November 29, 1963.
Phil then began his teaching career in Maryland, before leaving to teach in Fairfax
County, VA. In 1969, Phil was granted a sabbatical leave to earn his Master's degree in
Administration and Supervision at UNH, graduating in May of 1970.
Phil was appointed principal at Greenland Central School in July 1973. He spent 11
years there which was the highlight of his career. After leaving Greenland, he spent 14
years working in various capacities for the Christmas Dove in Barrington, NH. He retired
in 1998.
Phil spent his retirement - to the delight and reward of thousands of children - doing
what he loved most, substitute teaching in New Hampshire and Maine schools in grades
pre-K to eighth.
Phil is survived by his wife, Marcia, of 61 years, his daughter, Sharon Verreault,
husband, Timothy, and children, Christian and Matthew, of Portland, his daughter, Lisa
Rowe, and children, Ryan, Hannah and Emma, of South Berwick, son, Steven Rowe,
wife, Kristi, and children, Alexander and Julia, of New York City, sister-in-law, Patricia
Collins, of Dover, and several nieces and nephews.
Phil is predeceased by his brother, Merrill, and wife, Dorothy, sister, Zelma Webb, and
husband, Thomas, sister Arlene Calef, and husband, Leon, and brother Willard, and
wife, Norma.
Visiting hours will occur on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Tasker
Funeral Home, 621 Central Avenue, Dover, NH. A funeral mass will be held on
Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 4 Angels'
Way, South Berwick, ME.
In lieu of flowers, Phil's family would be honored if you donated in his memory to the
charity or organization of your choice.