William J. Rowe Jr., 73, of West Pittston, passed away Monday January 19th, 2026 in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Summerville, New Jersey, he was a son of the late William J. Sr. and Ida Popple Rowe. He was graduate of Wyoming Area High School Class of 1970.  Bill was a member of Corpus Christi Parish (Immaculate Conception Church), West Pittston.   

Bill was a devout Catholic and was in church every Sunday with his wife.   He was a very faithful man to everyone and to his parish.

After High School he went to E. Stroudsburg University and then to Wilkes University and received a Bachelor’s degree in economics.  

Bill was employed as a financial advisor for many years with Morgan and Stanley and then worked at the NLS group as a Right of Agent for Renewables. 

He loved his family, his dog Bosco and the wonderful town of West Pittston.   Bill served as a part time Borough Manager for many years and then became involved in town politics running for Borough Council where he was elected and served several terms.  He was the past president of Council.  He still served his community in several capacities.  He was currently the treasure and on the board at the West Pittston Library, West Pittston Historical society, and also was in charge of fundraisers for his alumni class at Wyoming Area.  

Bill also was a big collector of Lionel trains.  He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Philadelphia Phillies, and Michigan University. 

Anyone who knew him knew that he had a satellite office at 801 Wyoming Avenue at the Dunkin Donuts.   He enjoyed going and hanging out and talking with everyone who came in.   He also was a staple at Danko’s gym with his group of friends.  They were there almost every morning. 

Bill was also a familiar face at Agolino’s Restaurant where he always sat at the counter with his wife and enjoyed many dinners together.

He was preceded in death by his niece, Rebecca Jo Klotzbach.

Bill is survived by his loving wife the former Nancy Kelly, they would have been married for 30 years this coming May, daughter, Joleen DiMaggio, Shavertown, sister, Susan Klotzbach and her husband Karl, Florida, aunt, Helen Popple Battle, West Pittston, brother-in-law, Gene Kelly, Yatesville, and nephews, Karl Jr, and wife Lauren, Eric and his wife Teale, also, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and many friends. 

A viewing will be held on Saturday January 24th, 2026 from 2:30pm until 3:30pm in Corpus Christi Parish at 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston.   A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 3:30pm with Monsignor John Sempa and Father Michael Drevitch as the celebrants.   Interment will be private in the Dennison Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Arrangements are by the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.

Online condolences can be left at our website at Howelllussi.com.