Obituary: Steven P. Rowland, 65, Of Easton

Information and Photo Courtesy Abriola-Parkview Funeral Home

EASTON, CT —Steven P. Rowland passed away unexpectedly on May 9 in a motor vehicle accident at the age of 65. He was accompanied by his beloved Uncle Tom Vitale and Aunt Olga Vitale while on their way home from The Yale New Haven hospital.

Steve was born in Bridgeport on Feb. 25, 1959 in St. Vincent Hospital in Bridgeport. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Grace (Vitale) Rowland. He is survived by his children Sammantha Rowland, Katie Rowland (Devin McVeigh), Andrew Rowland and their mother Andrea (Lower) Rowland, his two sisters Joan Rowland (Sabrina), Tracy Gilbert and his brother David Rowland as well as his nieces, nephews, great niece and great nephews.

Steve graduated from Joel Barlow High School in 1976 a proud member of an undefeated championship football team and a star wrestler. He then attended the New York Institute of Technology, where he wrestled and received his bachelor's degree in architecture.

After working in California for ABC Studios where his responsibilities included the set design for the 1984 Olympics, he returned to Connecticut. He eventually started his own architecture firm in NYC, completing many restaurant and spa projects including the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon on Park Avenue and most recently the new WPIX studios of Manhattan in the Empire State Building. He was also the co-chair of the building committee for the new Samuel Staples Elementary School in Easton.

Always drawn to the underdog, he was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, especially the late Jim Brown. After becoming a father, he was able to pour his passion for sports into coaching. He coached his son and daughters' soccer teams for many years.

Steve was a lifelong car enthusiast and collector and was heavily involved in the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance.

While his death was abrupt and heartbreaking, his loved ones take solace in knowing that Steve died while doing what he loved best: helping others. He wanted to be remembered for being a reliable family man who was passionate about doing what is right.

Friends and family may greet the family on Thursday May 16, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame of Easton, 655 Morehouse Road, Easton. Interment will follow to the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Rd, Trumbull.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steven's name to The Shriners Children's Hospital, which cared for his cousin Christopher Vitale.