Obituary of David F. Rowlands

      Mr. David F. Rowlands, 71, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica.

     David was born in Utica, on March 24, 1951, the son of David J. and Rita (Sammartino) Rowlands.  He was raised in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy.  For 10 years, David was employed with Tracy Adams Photo Shop in Utica and for many years until his retirement, with The House of the Good Shepherd. David was an outdoor enthusiast, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time camping at the St. Lawrence River. He also enjoyed tending to his lawn and garden, tinkering around the house, was an avid Nascar and Dallas Cowboys fan and had a true passion for cooking. He looked forward to his yearly trip to Myrtle Beach and was a member of the Eagles Club in Deerfield.  He was of the Catholic faith.

     Mr. Rowland’s is survived by his loving companion of nearly 20 years, Sue Hotaling; daughter, Lauren Stockton of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; two sisters, Denise Rowlands of Utica and Patricia Lentricchia; two nieces, Lisa Midura and her husband, Ronald of Deerfield and Michele Dillon of New Hartford; a great nephew, Zachary Midura of Deerfield; six dear friends, Mark Calhoun, Joe Leuthauser, Vicki Hillebrand, John Leogrand, Jack Chwazik and Jerry Lapsanski as well as many cousins and his fur babies Boo and Jack.  He was predeceased by his parents, David and Rita.

     Visitation for family and friends is Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the conclusion of visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

     David’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Utica Police Department and Utica Fire Department and Ambulance, for the care you provided to David in his time of need.  A special thank you to Sue’s dear friends, Sally Welch and Wendy Laughlin for your loving support and help at this most difficult time.