Thomas L. "Cupcake" Rowlands, 90, of French Rd., Utica, passed away at the Masonic Care Community on October 28, 2008. Tom was born in Utica, NY, May 9, 1918, the son of Thomas R. and Grace (Letson) Rowlands. He was raised and educated in Utica. After school, he became a member of the CCC's (Civil Construction Corps). On June 22, 1940, at the Whitesboro Baptist Parthonage, Tom was married to Aletha Mabbett, a loving union of 68 years. Tom had been employed as a truck driver in his early career and then in the maintenance department of MVCC. He was still currently employed with the New York State Police Dept. at their Marcy station. He was a member of the Whitesboro Baptist Church, the Teamsters Union Local #182, the Shriners and Masonic-Amicable Lodge of New Hartford. An honorable man, Tom's life long love was of the State Police and his many friends there. Tom was an enthusiastic fan of NASCAR racing. Tom is survived by his wife, Aletha; one daughter, Barbara Kohler, of Utica; a son, Robert T. Rowlands, of Utica; one grandson and his wife, Michael and Amanda Kohler, of Westmoreland, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, Betty Mabbett, Don and Pearl Mabbett, Betty Lockwood, and George and Joan Lewis; many nieces and nephews; and special friends at the trooper barracks, 1st Sgt. Joann Alberico and Trooper Eileen McCann. Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by a son-in-law, Joseph Kohler, and a sister, Grace Cosgrove. Mr. Rowlands' funeral will be held Friday, October 31, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, with the Rev. Robert Guldenschuh officiating. His burial will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery, New Hartford. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Thursday evening from 4-7. Donations in Tom's memory would be appreciated to the Masonic Care Community, in lieu of flowers.