Deacon William R. Rowley, a resident of Burlington, died Dec. 27 in Virtua Willingboro. He was 93.
Son of the late John and Helen Rowley, Deacon Rowley was born in 1931 and raised in Metuchen. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was discharged from duty in 1953. He worked as a New Jersey State Troop for 29 years and worked as an EMT in Lumberton and Mount Holly, and for the Burlington County Emergency management.
In 1955, Deacon Rowley married his wife, Alice, and they were married until she died in 2009. The couple raised 5 children.
Deacon Rowley was ordained a deacon May 11, 1996 by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and he ministered in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly.
In addition to his parents and wife, Deacon Rowley is predeceased by his five siblings. He is survived by his children Robin (Dr. Mark) Simmons, William Jr. (Nancy), Mark (Kathleen), Matthew (Ly), and Tara (John) Gilbert; a brother; close friend, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held Jan. 6 from 6 to8 p.m. in Perinchief Chapels, 438 High Street, Mount Holly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Jan. 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mount Holly. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Wrightstown.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Sacred Heart Parish, 260 High Street, Mount Holly, N.J. 08060.