SEDGWICK, MAINE—We are sad to announce the passing of Stephen Rowles of Sedgwick on July 2, 2025. Steve died of complications from a stroke but peacefully left this life surrounded by close friends and longtime companion Cynthia Curtis, also of Sedgwick.
Steve was born on March 28, 1945, to Margaret and Burton Rowles, Jr., in Manhattan, N.Y. He grew up in Greenwich, Conn., with his two lifelong friends and brothers, Andy and Ben, along with many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Steve graduated from N.Y. University with a BA in English and went on to study violin making and repair at the North Bennett Street School in Boston.
He moved to Sedgwick in early 2000, where he began restoration of an old farmhouse and set up shop as a luthier. He crafted dozens of stringed instruments over his lifetime, many of which are still played by friends in the Blue Hill area.
In his free time, Steve enjoyed boatbuilding, motorcycle restoration, engine repair, photography, and boating on Penobscot Bay. He was an avid reader, loved music, and cherished time outdoors with his friend Cynth and their two dogs, Coco and Lily. All who knew Steve remember him as a kind and caring person, someone who would drop everything to go and help a friend.
Steve’s family meant everything to him. He is survived by his brother Andy and partner Sandy of Thetford, Vt.; his brother Ben and wife Sally of Charleston, S.C.; his nephews Zach and Jack and niece Nina; their children; and several cousins.
We are grateful for the wonderful care he received in his final days at Blue Hill Hospital. The staff and hospice team together ensured a loving and peaceful passing.
We give special thanks to our dear friend Candice Bray. With her expertise in reading and language skills, she helped Steve regain his ability to read, giving him hope that life might again be filled with good books, a warm fire, and two adoring dogs by his side.
Steve will be missed by all who knew him. A family celebration of his life is planned for later this fall.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Blue Hill Public Library or the Hancock County SPCA.
The post Stephen Rowles first appeared on Penobscot Bay Press.
Author: funeralcosts.com
https://penobscotbaypress.com/articles/remembrances/stephen-rowles/
