John Rowe Obituary

I was a part of his Dubois Society at Rowe-Clark during my sophomore, junior, and senior year of high school. During that time, he became my mentor. When I graduated high school, he and his wife continued to support me. He promised to look out for me, and he kept that promise until he couldn't anymore. I really appreciate him and his wife so much. He will be missed.

What a privilege to know John in the last decade of his life through the charter school movement. If only we could clone the likes of him.

I send my deepest sympathy to John´s family, Jeanne and son William. I have always admired John and valued his friendship. We were high school classmates. I enjoyed his sense of humor and intelligence. We always knew John would go far. His accomplishments in life and contributions to society are amazing. Rest in peace, John.

Jeanne and the Rowe Family,
My condolences on John's passing. John and I had unusually respectful and effective relationship for a utility CEO and a public interest advocate in which we accomplished much when we worked together, often agreed, and when we disagreed, were not disagreeable.
John did tremendous public service for the Chicago community through his leadership work with several museums, and on immigration and education. He didn´t have to do all of that for the community - but he did, and he did it well. I have great respect for his civic commitment and accomplishments.

My best wishes and hopes to you and your family in these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Howard Learner
Executive Director,
Environmental Law & Policy Center

God bless you, John! Your support, encouragement and friendship will be missed forever, and you will always live in our hearts and prayers.

Our sincere condolences from the Gary Comer Youth Center on the Comer Education community. John's love of young people and desire to mentor, engage, and encourage them will truly be remembered. This legacy of encouragement and service will continue to live on.

Rhonda Hopps

Dear Jeanne and Family,
I was terribly saddened to learn of John's death. Anything I can say or do at a time like this will be a little comfort.
I like to remember the happy times we had together.
He was proud of your many fine accomplishments. You and your entire Family have my deepest and sincerest Sympathy.
Love,
Liz Stiffel

We send sincere gratitude for the hands-on guidance, presence, impactful advice, and support that Mr. John Rowe gave all of the students in the Illinois Tech Exelon Summer Institute. He told us to "find students who had been through hell" and help them make it. He then spent his personal time visiting us, answering emails, advocating for individuals, and truly making a difference in people's lives. For many years he came to give a heartfelt and honest Q and A session for our students. Every year since he moved to Florida I tell his story to the incoming students. It is a story of perseverance, straight-shooting, and never, ever giving up. I am so grateful to the Rowe family for all they have done but particularly for our endowed summer program. We will continue to find the cancer survivors, the military kids who lost a parent, the leaders of all races and creeds who are persevering and being forged by hard times rather than being beaten by them. We will carry on the work and continue to tell the story and the ripple effect from your generosity will keep growing. Kindest Regards April Welch

Know of our sincere condolences and prayers. May the love of friends and family give you comfort and strength.

Our sympathy and special prayers for Mr. Rowe and all his family and friends.