Final Salute

Dec. 13, 1920 – May 11, 2014

Stuart A. Rowland, a World War II Navy Seabee and longtime employee of New York State Electric & Gas Co., died May 11 at his home in Marilla. He was 93.

Born in East Aurora, Mr. Rowland graduated from East Aurora High School in 1939.

He joined the Navy and served three years as a Seabee in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Margot Kindel in California in 1945. After he left the Navy, they settled in East Aurora, where he worked for NYSEG for 35 years. They later moved to Marilla.

Mr. Rowland was president of the Quarter Century Club of NYSEG. In 1965, he was the first member inducted into the Marilla Kiwanis Club, which he served as president two times, as secretary four times and as state lieutenant governor. He was a member of East Aurora Post 362, American Legion, and Mark Rademacher Post 7795, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Wales. He was instrumental in procuring the new service flags at the Marilla Memorial Park.

Mr. Rowland was a life member of the East Aurora Fish and Game Club, and served as past president and treasurer. He also was a member of Buffalo Trap and Field, the Attica Golf Club and a life member of the NRA.

He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, trapping and skeet shooting.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Bonnie Theal; three sons, Stuart, Lloyd and Thomas; a brother, Niles; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life ceremony will be scheduled.

Published by Buffalo News on May 17, 2014.