Obituary of Russell C. Rowan

Russell C. “Rudd” Rowan III left us too soon on August 23, 2024. Rudd was born November 17, 1953 in Cleveland, OH, raised in Springdale and Wilton, CT, and spent over 50 years living in the Town of Lewisboro, NY.

Rudd graduated from Wilton High School in 1971 prior to attending Fairfield University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

As a young man, he volunteered doing Christian outreach with students, offering an earnest, spirited view of Judeo-Christianity. A carpenter by trade, Rudd owned Entasis Woodworks Inc. and worked as a general contractor, woodworker, and furniture maker. Many homes throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties have been enhanced by his attention to detail and unrelenting work ethic, though perhaps his proudest work was the home and custom pieces he built for his family.

In earlier years, he enjoyed playing ice hockey, backpacking, and performing in community theater.

Rudd relished his time with Infinite Roots, a culture-building drum group, learning to play West African drums and performing at schools and other venues. He loved singing at any opportunity.

Rudd was regularly in awe of and grateful to the natural world. Rudd was an integral member of Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church for many years. He was well loved as a Sunday School teacher and youth leader due to his unique style.

Rudd will be dearly missed for his compassion towards all people, silliness, dedication to recycling, and deep love for his family and friends.

Rudd is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Downie Rowan, of Vista, NY; his daughters, Shana (Geoff) of Canastota, NY and Thea (Steve) of Taunton, MA; his brother Hayes, of Cleveland, OH; cousins Mike and Cara Gallagher and Karen Gallagher-Hamski of OH; cousin Dan Gallagher of CA, cousin Ruth Law Simmons of MO, and many extended family members and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Russell C. Rowan II; mother, Genevieve Gallagher Rowan; and sister, Tracy Rowan.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, September 27th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, and Saturday, September 28th from 1-3pm with a service following. All will be located at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church, 8 Shady Ln, South Salem, NY 10590.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders at https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/