Obituary of Perry K. Rowley

Perry K. Rowley, 83 passed into eternal rest on July 25, 2022. He was the cherished husband and absolute light of his wife Susan Kelly’s life. Perry was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Luella (Borton) and Willis Rowley. He often spoke of his fond memories growing up on the family farm and later moving to the city. He enjoyed life in Kalamazoo and Plainwell and still maintained friendships with several of his Plainwell High School friends. He was especially proud of serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. In the 1970’s his career brought him to the east coast where he settled in Tolland, Connecticut. He was in sales for many years working in the corrugated paper industry as well as in graphic engineering working with printer plates and dies. He enjoyed being on the road and meeting people. His engaging personality and genuine smile drew people to him. All the ladies loved him. He could easily talk his way into a meeting with the boss through charming the front office staff. Perry loved golf and hated cold weather—that is what brought him to Largo, FL. His retirement dream was to live in a warm climate and he got that wish in 2011. Once in Florida he played lots of golf, loved country music, took up singing karaoke and soaking up the sunshine. His favorite spot was American Legion Post 273 in Maderia Beach where he and his wife spent many afternoons sitting by the water, listening to music, sipping a cocktail, sizing up the yachts that drifted by and enjoying the dolphins. He is survived by his wife Susan Kelly of Largo, FL and Wethersfield, CT, his sister Yvonne “Trink” Jackson of North Richland Hills, TX and his sister Karla and brother-in-law Ray Zantello of Otsego, MI. Perry was predeceased by his son Michael Rowley whom he loved and missed so very much. He also leaves several sisters and brothers in-law as well as several nieces and nephews. A memorial service and celebration of Perry’s life will be held at a later date.