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William Glenn Rowe, 75, passed away on January 27, 2026, at The Birches in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
William was born in 1950 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to William B. Rowe and Margaret Rowe (née Steinke). He was raised in eastern Pennsylvania, where, after graduation, he attended trade school while beginning a long career rooted in skill, problem-solving, and dedication.
In October 1970, William married Adele Krell (Lopez). Together they had one daughter, Rebecca, and lost one son, William Glenn Rowe Jr., who preceded him in death. Their marriage ended in 1980. William later married Sharon Thomas (Grimm) in 1982. During their marriage, he lovingly embraced her two daughters, Tammy Nassour (née Hamlin) and Tiffany Hamlin. Together, William and Sharon had a daughter, Courtney. Their marriage ended in 1993.
William worked for Huntingdon Industries in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, from 1970 to 1982. He later relocated to Bradenton, Florida, for a couple of years before returning to Pennsylvania. There, he and a friend founded S&S Technologies, which he co-owned and operated from 1985 to 1995. In 1996, William began working for Guidemark Precision Machine, Inc., where he remained until his retirement in 2025.
A natural tinkerer and problem-solver, William had a lifelong love for technology and enjoyed taking things apart simply to understand how they worked-often improving them along the way. He also had a keen eye for photography and found great joy in capturing scenic views of the ocean and the quiet beauty of everyday life.
William's father, a Navy Veteran, photographer, and sailor, instilled in him a lifelong love of camping, fishing, and the ocean-passions that shaped much of his life. He took every opportunity to be near the sea, especially around Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where he spent countless cherished weekends aboard his beloved boat, The Hammer's Tide II. William also traveled frequently to Florida, Ocean City, Maryland, and Key West, where he enjoyed deep-sea fishing and adventure, always happiest when surrounded by water and good company.
William was a devoted and deeply proud grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren. He enjoyed teaching them fishing and crabbing-which they loved most. He often shared humorous memories of his youth, and trips to the New Jersey boardwalk. He passed down his respect for the sea and nature. He delighted in nurturing their curiosity, especially when it came to technology, often introducing them to innovative, tech-filled gadgets and toys that sparked wonder and learning-more than once humorously leaving their parents asking how they worked. These moments of teaching, laughter, and discovery were among his greatest joys.
Closer to home, William made his life in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where he valued time spent with dear friends. PC Pub in Pennsburg was his favorite gathering place, where he watched the Philadelphia Eagles and enjoyed dinner with friends after a long day at work. Many of his most treasured memories were made on fishing trips with his dear friends from PC Pub, where camaraderie, laughter, and lifelong friendships were formed.
William was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Margaret Rowe; his sister, Barbara Clark; his son, William Glenn Rowe Jr.; and his stepdaughter, Tiffany Hamlin.
He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Martin, her husband Kelby, and their daughter Chloe; his daughter Courtney Kramer, her husband Stephen, and their children Bekah and Alex; his stepdaughter Tammy Nassour, her husband Greg, and their children Riley and Parker; his brother Gary Rowe and his wife Paula; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched. At the family's request and William's wishes, there will be an intimate gathering on a warm sunny day where his ashes will be sent home to the sea. There will be no services at this time. Falk Funeral Homes and Crematory is honored to serve the family of William Glenn Rowe.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor William's legacy by going on adventures, exploring the sea, living life fully and in the moment, and sharing those experiences with family and friends. This, they believe, would be the most fitting tribute to his extraordinary life.
An Old Salt's Rest
"The nets are dry, the boat is still,
He's gone beyond the distant hill.
With fair winds and a following sea,
He sails into eternity."
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