Mr. Richard J. "Rocky" Rowbotham

March 29, 1942 - September 21, 2016

Richard J. Rowbotham “Rocky” Richard J. “Rocky” Rowbotham, a well-known and loved member of the South Lowell community, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. He was 74 years old. Rocky was the husband of the late Carol A. (O’Hagan) Rowbotham who passed away in 2007. Richard was born in Lowell on March 29, 1942, a son of the late James J. and Annette J. (Dumont) Rowbotham. He was a graduate of St. Marie’s Grammar School and St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Class of 1961. Rocky was employed for 37 years with Honeywell Bull in Lowell and Brighton, MA. Later, he worked for Electronic Fasteners in Waltham. Rocky was a lifelong parishioner of St. Marie’s Church. You couldn’t talk about Rocky without mentioning the Knickerbocker Club. He was a Life Member of the Knick. He served on the board of directors, and for many years played in the Softball and Bowling Leagues. He had so many friends at the Knickerbocker Club, and always enjoyed the good times he shared there. He was also an avid Keno player. Rocky loved golf, going to the lake, and fishing. He was a devoted Patriots and Red Sox Fan and was especially happy with both teams performance this year. Rocky was known to be a charmer…and his cleverly sarcastic, witty charm, along with his contagious smile, gained him both respect and admiration. A hardworking and loving father, Rocky instilled in his children a valuable work ethic. He loved his family very much. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rocky especially enjoyed his Annual Father’s Day Cookouts, spending time with and enjoying the ones he loved most. Rocky is survived by his three children, Joan Guilmette and her husband Barry of Manchester, NH, Elaine Gelineau of Tyngsborough, and David R. Rowbotham and his wife Rachel of N. Billerica; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Kayla, Justin, Steven, David Jr., Brandy Lee, and Victoria; two great grandchildren, Aaden and Lilyana; a step-daughter, Donna Bonin on Indiana; his sisters, Doris Boule and her companion Roger Geoffroy of Lowell, and Ann Hansen and her husband George of Lowell; his brother James M. Rowbotham and his wife Diane of Salem, NH; a late sister, Joan Marie Rowbotham, who passed away as a baby. Rocky also leaves his nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many dear friends. FUNERAL NOTICE ROWBOTHAM—In N. Billerica, September 21, 2016, Richard J. “Rocky” Rowbotham, 74, of Lowell. It being his request, there will be no calling hours. Cremation took place and a family graveside service was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Rocky wanted to throw a party. Relatives and friends are invited to A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE, at his favorite spot, the KNICKERBOCKER CLUB, 36 Chamberlain St. Lowell, on SUNDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER 9, 2016 from 1 PM until 5 PM. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Rocky’s memory may be made to the Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities Food Pantry, 70 Lawrence St. Lowell, MA 01852. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com