Obituary of Leonard C. Rowles

Leonard Claude Rowles Age 83, Wilmington, DE Leonard C. Rowles, son of the late James and Mary Knight Rowles, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2015, surrounded by his family, after battling complications from a stroke. Leonard was very proud to say that he was born and raised in Eddystone, PA, before moving to Wilmington, DE, with his bride Mary, in 1960. In 1953 Leonard was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with the 19th ordnance battalion in Mannheim and Heidelberg Germany. Leonard told his army stories with such pride and excitement, it never grew old listening to them and seeing him light up with joy. Leonard worked for Belmont Iron in Eddystone, PA, before moving on to DuPont, where he retired in 1994. He would often say, there was not a day that he did not look forward to working, which reflected in his active lifestyle long after retirement. Leonard was a sports enthusiast who shared his love of all games with his family. From the early days assisting the Mount Pleasant Squires, when his son Ron played, to volunteering countless hours to the First Tee of Delaware, where his grandson Ryan was a participant, to being the number one fan in the bleachers to cheer on his granddaughter Robyn and grandson Ryan in all their sporting events. Leonard was an active member of the Chester Lodge #236 F&AM , Chester, PA, for sixty-two years as a 32nd Mason. Leonard is survived by his only son Ronald, his wife’s twin sister Doris Gressenbucher, whom he had great respect and love for, his two grandchildren, Ryan and Robyn, whom he truly loved and cared for, and his brothers, Charles and James. Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, Mary of fifty-five years and oldest brother Harold. Services and Interment will be private.