Deacon Robert Rowland passed on from this life on July 15 at the age of 74.

Deacon Rowland was born Nov. 14, 1943, and ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 14, 1980.

In his early years, Deacon Rowland served in many parishes of the archdiocese, including at St. Mel Parish, Dearborn Heights; St. Albert the Great Parish, Dearborn Heights; St. Aidan Parish, Livonia; and St. John Bosco Parish, Redford.

Later, he served at Sacred Heart Parish, Dearborn (2004-07); St. Mary Parish, Royal Oak (2007-08); Gesu Parish, Detroit (2008-10); St. Clement Parish, Dearborn (2010-15); and St. Sebastian Parish, Dearborn Heights (2016-17). Deacon Rowland obtained senior deacon status in 2013.

In addition to his other duties, Deacon Rowland began serving in a volunteer role with Food for the Poor in 2007.

Deacon Rowland was the beloved husband of Fe Divinagracia Desiar, and father of Gina (Mark) Kohls, Robert (Kerri) and Eric (Devon), and grandfather of four.

A funeral Mass was celebrated for Deacon Rowland at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Dearborn on July 19.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Fe Rowland, c/o St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 16101 Rotunda Drive, Dearborn, Michigan 48120.