Hanover, N.H. —
He was born on July 16, 1944, the son of Malcolm & Marion (Stearns) Rowell. Don was predeceased by Doreen (Goyette) Rowell, his high school sweetheart and wife of 39 years.
Don is survived by three sons, Derick and his wife, Jessica of Canaan, N.H., Daniel and his wife, Lisa of Addison, Vt. and David of Sunapee, N.H.; a sister, Virginia and husband, James Lothrop of Loveland, Ohio; a brother, Malcolm Rowell, Jr. and wife, Fleur Barnes, of Hadley, Mass.; five grandchildren, Aaron Rowell, Nathan Rowell, Abigail Rowell, Annaliese Rowell and Erika Trombley; many nieces and nephews and the beloved extended Goyette family.
Don grew up in Newport, N.H. and was a 1962 graduate of Newport High School. He was active in the school and church choirs and served as captain of his high school football and basketball teams. Don was a leader in the classroom as well as on the playing field, graduating third in his class. He graduated from Bentley College with a degree in accounting, a profession he served with distinction for over 50 years.
Don and Doreen were active in the community, serving as foster parents as well as hosting both Fresh Air kids and ABC kids. Additionally, they were active as coaches for Lebanon youth baseball teams. In 1984 Don was elected Lebanon’s “Citizen of the Year.”
Don enjoyed his annual vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee, a tradition his children continue to enjoy. The son of a church choir director, Don loved to sing and was a member of Bel Canto, The Area Choir of Newport, and First Congregational Church of Lebanon throughout much of his adult life.
Don will be remembered by all who knew him for his loyalty, honesty, commitment to family, love, generosity, humor and integrity.
Family and friends are invited to Ricker Funeral Home of Lebanon on Friday, April 14, 2017, for calling hours, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Lebanon on Saturday April 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lebanon.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Don’s memory, to the First Congregational Church, PO Box 230, South Park St. Lebanon, NH 03766 or The Area Choir, PO Box 692, Newport, NH, 03773.
Messages of condolence may be expressed with the family through an online guestbook by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.