U.S. Army veteran served in the Burma campaign

Published in the February 9, 2018 edition

WOBURN — Richard Rowland, 97, resident of Woburn, formerly longtime resident of Melrose died January 31, 2018 at Woodbriar of Wilmington. 

Richard was born on October 25, 1920, in Malden, the son of the late Richard C. and Margaret (MacFadgen) Rowland. Richard grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Rindge High School. He worked many different jobs during the Great Depression to help support the family.

During 1940, while Richard was handling the bookwork at Spector Motor Freight, the business grew to a point where he needed assistance in keeping up with the paperwork. It was decided to hire a niece of the owner who had just graduated from business school. She was only to stay long enough until they found a permanent replacement for her as they did not want family members working there. The young girl they hired would eventually become Richard’s wife, his beloved Mary E. Coburn.

In 1942, Richard joined the United States Army. He would become a Radioman on the B-29 Bomber serving in the Burma Campaign. He was very proud of his time in the Army Air Corps and the serving of his country. 

In 1950, Richard and Mary moved to Melrose to raise their family. He began work in advertising and sales. He started out with Ingalls Associates in Boston, and found his way to Friends Beans in Melrose, and eventually striking out on his own.

He enjoyed his community, and was active in a number of organizations. He was a longtime and active member of Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, serving in a number of capacities over the years, including as Deacon and Treasurer. He belonged to the Wyoming Masonic Lodge A.F & A.M of Melrose, and the North Shore Shrine Club. Richard loved being a Shriner. Traveling with the Shrine group and marching in parades were some of his great joys over the years.

Above all though, Richard loved his family, and loved telling a good story. It was said that if you asked Richard what time it was, he would go on to tell you how a watch was made. He was his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids biggest fan. He was the family cameraman. At sporting events, one would find him with the big VHS camcorder on his shoulder recording the arrival of the team, the departure of the team, and everything in between. He also always made sure everyone had a copy of the tape.

Traveling with Mary was another activity he truly enjoyed and two of his favorite trips were to the Northwest Passage, and to see the Fjords of Norway. A musically inclined individual, Richard taught himself how to play the piano, the saw, and the spoons, all of which require special talent.

Richard will be remembered as a gregarious man with the most gentle of souls one could ever find. He was sweet and kind up to his last breath, and his 97 years have given his family wonderful memories of a true gentleman, that they will deeply miss.

Richard was beloved husband of the late Mary E. “Betty” (Coburn) Rowland with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Devoted father of Kenneth Rowland of Hull, Charlotte Woodard and her husband Ben of East Palatka, Fla., and the late Barbara Bemiss. Dear father-in-law of Alan Bemiss and his wife Jean of Wilmington, and Susan Bees of Beverly Farms. Cherished grandfather of Scott Bemiss and his wife Kathy of Bedford, N.H., Brian Bemiss and his wife Lora of Franklin, Courtney Monaco and her husband John of Marblehead, Phil Bemiss and his wife Julie of Atlanta, Ga., Grant Rowland and his wife Kacie of Marblehead. Treasured great grandfather of thirteen.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Richard’s life during visiting hours at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose on Monday, Feb. 5, followed by his funeral service. Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.

Gifts in his memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114.