Donald Rowe Obituary

Donald Sebring - Rowe Francis Rowe Donald (Don) Francis Rowe passed away on July 16, 2025, in Sebring, FL. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 10, 1939, to Francis Rowe and Florence Feist Rowe. He was married to the love of his life, Olivia Hernandez Rowe for 67 years and was blessed with two daughters, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.



Don is survived by his wife, Olivia Hernandez Rowe; daughter Donna Rowe Bailey and son-in-law, Jim Bailey; grandchildren Richard Ratcliff, Dorian, Jarrett and Daulton Galea, Casey Bailey and Emily Bailey Ewell (Jack); great grandchildren James,

Astrid Olivia and Erik Fowler; brother-in-law Gerald Hernandez, Jr.; nephews John Hernandez, Kevin and Jeffrey Hernandez; nieces Vicky Hernandez (Dale) Barnes and Debbie Rivara (Ron) Krueger. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved daughter, Leslie Marie Rowe; sister, brother-in-law and nephew, Florence, John and John Jr. Rivara; and brothers-in-law John and Robert Hernandez.



He moved to Key West, FL with the U.S. Navy. Don and Olivia raised their daughters on the ocean in their "Rowe Boat" crabbing, fishing, exploring in the mangroves and seeing the sunset at Mallory Square. Don spent lots of time with his friends at the Cuban coffee corner for many years. He and Olivia lived between island life in Key West, FL and mountain life in Hiawassee, GA. In retirement, they relocated to Sebring, FL, where he enjoyed his sandhill cranes, storks, turkeys and other wildlife. Although from New York, he considered himself a southerner since he had been in Florida since 1955.



Don was a true patriot and proud United States Navy Veteran having served honorably in two fighter squadrons at Naval Air Station Key West, FL. After discharge from the U. S. Navy, he began his Department of Defense civil service career at Naval Station, Key West. When that base closed, he transferred to the Naval Air Station. He retired as a Planner & Estimator in the Engineering Division, Public Works Department. He received many outstanding performance awards, in addition to being recognized for cutting-edge innovative ideas. Don highly respected the United States flag and for many years took great pride in making sure all flags in Sebring, FL were properly displayed. If not, he would donate a replacement.



Don was an avid HAM Radio operator for over 30 years and communicated with people all over the world. Known as KU4RB, he was an active member of the Sebring HAM community, which he called his friends. In addition, he donated his talents as a volunteer HAM examiner.



Don was a pillar of strength for family, friends and community. His wife, Olivia, always came first; she was his world. He taught his grandchildren his love of animals, nature, construction, marksmanship and how to always have grit. He taught children how to swim; brought Cuban art to local Hispanic restaurants; fixed anything needed for friends and taught young teens how to be HAM radio enthusiasts.



Don was a "little brother" in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when he was a child and gave back to the organization by becoming a "big brother" as an adult. He loved to give surprise gifts to others whether one of his vintage radios or clocks, HAM radio equipment, tool or toy. If one happened to compliment something he had, it was taken home or anonymously delivered to your door the next week. Don was the coolest Cuz, Brother, Grandpa, Abuelo, Uncle/Tio in the family.



Don's laughter, sense of humor, wit and big smile will carry on forever as will the many people he loved and mentored throughout his life. He did life his way all the way to the end. His last words to Olivia were, "We've lived a good life!"



Keep Smiling, Daddy! Love You More, Abuelo! See you in Heaven, Mi Amor!

Mi Voy!



A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at The Basilica of St. Mary's, Perpetual Divine Chapel on Monday, September 15, 2025, with a Eulogy at 9:50 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow at the Hilton DoubleTree. In Lieu of flowers if you are moved, please consider a memorial contribution to The American Heart Association at

www.heart.org or to P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

All arrangements are entrusted to Key West Mortuary. Friends and family are encouraged to sign the guest book at www.keywestmortuaryc.com