Freeman Robert “Bob” Rowe

BELGRADE – Freeman Robert “Bob” Rowe died on Jan. 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Belgrade, Maine.

Born March 15, 1935 in South Weymouth, Mass. to Freeman L. and Augusta Barlett Davis Rowe, Bob moved with his family to Belgrade the following year. While in high school, Bob started his own haying and farming business, working on various farms in the area. He was successful enough to hire two classmates to work with him.

Graduating from Belgrade High School in 1958, Bob was immediately drafted into the army. He returned to the area in 1960 where he married Charlene Mittie Cunningham. Soon thereafter, the two of them began building the home where Bob would live for the rest of his life. Another theme in Bob’s adult life was how much he enjoyed the adventures of traveling. He and Charlene visited the World’s Fair in New York, traveled to Newfoundland and Labrador to attend their music festival, and could be found heading off in their homemade truck camper to explore new or familiar destinations. When at home, they loved raising sheep and maple sugaring. Charlene died in 1985.

During these years, he worked for Peachtree construction, with his dad, the State of Maine, and Hammond Lumber. In 1987, Bob married his childhood friend, Mary Tilton Rowe. His family was further expanded by her three boys Craig (Mora, Alana, Ian), David (Ashley, Loren, Morgan, David), James; as well as sister-in- law Karen and nieces Beth (Jeff – Emily, Rachel), Barbara (Jeremy – Sam, Jack, Tim), Nicole (Darren – Vanessa, Hailey, Asher, Ainsley); great grandchildren, Vera, Milo, Sutton, Briar. They all brought great joy and love to the house. During their life together, before she died in 2007, they expanded the original home to include a second floor, and a great room designed for large family gatherings and celebrations. They also hit the road to Alaska as well as traveling to Ireland and across the US.

In 2013, Bob met Beverly Abbott, and they were married in 2015 at the Rowe homestead. They loved to travel in their motorhome, driving from Maine to California, the southern states, and of course, a favorite stop in Sedona, Ariz. Closer to home, Schoodic Point was an annual destination. In his expanding family, he quickly became “Bob” to Bev’s three children, David (Lisa), Sheila, Kim (Tommy); four grandchildren Chris (Lexi), Matt (Angela), Kristie (Zach), Brandon (Shelby): seven great grandchildren, James, Jace, Sam, Malcolm, Barrett, Caroline, and Britton; and grand dog Buddy.

Bob was a caregiver for many throughout his lifetime as well as a lifelong member of the Masons and Kora Shriners (he loved being a go cart driver!).

Visiting hours will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, with a celebration of life service at 2 p.m. at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home at 1 Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, all are asked to send a donation in Bob’s name to:

the Nancy Shuman

Animal Shelter

168 Leighton Rd.

Augusta, ME 04330