He was a 1951 graduate of Batavia High School and earned a Business Administration in Management degree from Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in 1958. Mr. Harrower served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.
On April 26, 1958, Robert Harrower and Carol Rowcliffe were united in marriage, raised 3 wonderful children and celebrated their 60th year together on April 26, 2018. Bob passed peacefully last Friday morning and just 4 days later Carol took his hand to reunite with him and strengthen the bond that can never be broken.
In 1963 Mr. Harrower became President of the Genesee Lumber Co., Inc. as well as Batavia Homes and Development Corporation after the unexpected death of his father who founded the business in 1928. He successfully ran the business until his retirement in 1995 at the end of Franklin St. in Batavia where it stands today, expanding and still run by the Harrower family. Mr. Harrower developed the Clinton Gardens subdivision in Northeastern Batavia where Naramore Dr. is the primary road through the subdivision. He also served on the board of Directors of Genesee Reserve Supply Inc. from 1969-1972.
Mr. Harrower was active in community service groups including the Batavia Jaycees, Rotary Club, Moose Lodge and the former Elks Lodge. He served on the Board of Directors with the Genesee Memorial Hospital (UMMC) and was chairman of the Building and Grounds committee. A member of the former Batavia Club (Seymour Place and home of GO ART), where he served as chairman of the restoration of the historic landmark building that sits on the corner of Bank and Main Sts and enjoyed many years of playing Bridge with his "buddies". He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he served on the building and grounds committee. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout while in the Boy Scouts of America. Bob enjoyed many years at Stafford Country Club playing golf, and travelling with his beloved, Carol along with spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sons; John (Leslie) Harrower of Batavia, James (Judy) Harrower of Alexandria, VA and his daughter, Susan (Scott) Cosgrove of Churchville; four grandchildren, Michael (Stacy Barwick) Harrower, Eric Harrower, Ryan and Katie Cosgrove; brother and sister-in-law, Lynn (Mary Ellen) Rowcliffe of Batavia; brothers-in-law, Harold "Harley" Harloff and Oliver Spaulding both of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews survive.
Carol was a 1953 graduate of Batavia High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Keuka College in 1957, and was most proud of being a Registered Nurse along with an American Red Cross nurse. It was Carol's love of children that led her to a job as Charge Nurse in Pediatrics from 1957-1961 at the former Genesee Memorial Hospital (UMMC). After raising three children, she worked on call as a nurse in the Batavia City School District. She was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a former member of the Vestry and was actively involved in the church annual Antique Show. She participated for many years in the annual Batavia Rotary Club show productions assisting namely with make-up and costumes. Carol enjoyed many years of planning and then travelling with Bob, socializing and playing Bridge with family and friends and will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor. Carol's love of her children and grandchildren was never more evident as she fought her illness to the final moment to be with family.
She is survived by her sons; John (Leslie) Harrower of Batavia, James (Judy) Harrower of Alexandria, VA and her daughter, Susan (Scott) Cosgrove of Churchville; four grandchildren, Michael (Stacy Barwick) Harrower, Eric Harrower, Ryan and Katie Cosgrove; brother, Lynn (Mary Ellen) Rowcliffe of Chili; brothers-in-law, Harold "Harley" Harloff and Oliver Spaulding both of Batavia along with several nieces and nephews survive.
*PLEASE NOTE*
There is no prior visitation, The Harrower family invites all to celebrate in Bob and Carol's funeral service 1pm Thursday July 12, 2018 at St. James Episcopal Church 405 East Main Street Batavia, NY with Mother Bonnie Morris Officiating. Bob and Carol will be laid to rest together in Grand View Cemetery, along with Military Honors for Bob. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to John Harrower that will be shared with Bob & Carol's community interests to include the United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC), YMCA and St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia.
Please share your words of comfort with the Harrower family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.
THE FAMILY OF ROBERT M. AND CAROL R. HARROWER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4210 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020
