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.
Hello, This is Cynthia. I was thinking of Carl's twin, Carleen, who passed away in 2012. I found this on her Legacy page and thought to copy it here.
Hello Carl -- You may remember me, from my days at Kopplemann (where I slogged to pay the rent as I became a freelance writer). I enjoyed our banter at "the place," and about life in general. I am sorry, indeed, to read of the loss of your twin sister, and wish you comfort in the perspective time can offer -- and especially in memories. I have learned that the pain of loss of a loved one (I lost my partner of 17 years in 2007) does not go away, but that…
Dear Cynthia and Mrs Rowley,
I am so saddened to learn of your loss and I apologize for the delay in expressing my sympathy. I just learned of Carl's passing today. I have such fond memories of Carl and Carleen growing up. We were blessed with a happy childhood in a neighborhood full of children. We were raised all together by a most wonderful village. My thoughts and prayers are with you both, John, and your extended family. The world is a better place because Carl was in it.
Your friend and old neighbor,
Pat (Mulcahy) Olson
Thank you for the well written obituary.
Carl was a close family member and a great friend.
He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.
Gregory
To C&C:
Dear Cynthia,
We are very sorry for your loss and share in your sadness.
Know that you gave carl the greatest gift of all, and made his life joyfully well lived-
the gift of true love and companionship. What a beautiful picture and obituary.
Dear carl,
I will always miss you, and especially at family gatherings and art events. You were always there with a warm welcome, a good story, and a laugh. I was always proud to know you, and I always looked forward to our conversations, usually behind the scenes, and never pretentious. You will forever be in our hearts.
Love,
Robin