Carl Michael Rowley 1954-2021

Carl Michael Rowley, 67, of Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2021 at St Francis Hospital after a year long battle with cancer that he fought with his wife and best friend of 40 years, Cynthia Bulaong, by his side.

Carl was born in Hartford on March 29, 1954 and grew up in Newington, CT. He attended Robinson School, West Hartford, in 1974, Leicester Junior College, MA, in 1976 and American University, Washington DC, in 1978. He worked in various industries landing with the International Union of Operating Engineers where he especially enjoyed working outdoors. He was dedicated and proud of his career running heavy equipment for large construction projects and high rise or in-ground hoists.

Carl had a love of life. His fondest memories were of summers as a youngster at the family beach house in Old Lyme and family cruises as an adult. He was a creative cook and loved events where food and drinks were plentiful. He liked assisting on Open Studio Hartford and other artistic and culinary projects with Cynthia. Carl was kind and easy going and loved a good laugh. Fun to be around, he could be counted on for a funny or outrageous story. Part of his life was defined as a resident of the Colt Gateway community for over 25 years. His reliable presence will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Carl will always be in the hearts of his life-time partner, Cynthia Bulaong, his mother, Ruth Schatz Rowley of Mount Dora, FL, his brother L. John Rowley, Jr. of Farmington, CT, nephew Buck Hazard of Washington, and his cousins Linda Schatz of West Hartford and Donna Kay of Glastonbury. Future gatherings will be filled with memories by his mother-in-law, Irene Bulaong of West Hartford, his in-laws Annemarie and Jim Lemke, Gregory and Robin Bulaong, Melissa and Jeff Foy and their children, Hayley, Zackary, Allison, Jessica and many friends. He is predeceased by his father, Lester J. Rowley, Sr., his twin sister, Carleen Rowley, his nephew Benjamin Hazard, and his father-in-law, Dr. Rodolfo Bulaong.

Carl would want to thank his doctors and nurses that he became attached to through the Smilow Cancer Center. As he requested, his final resting place will be at home next to his beloved parrot, Polly. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.abbeycremation.com. For more information and to help defray medical expenses go to www.gofundme.com. Checks will be accepted in Carl’s name at ART, PO Box 1138, Hartford, CT 06143.