Michael Edward Rowell

PORTLAND-Michael Edward Rowell, of Portland, Maine, died of natural causes, on Wednesday, November 30. Michael, son of William Clogston and Margaret O'Brien Rowell, was born on July 19, 1941, in Rutland, Vermont. Michael attended St. Joseph's Grammar School, graduated from Cheverus High School, both in Portland, and earned a BA from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was captain of the fencing team. He was a notable writer, beginning as a technical writer for Pratt and Whitney. Michael served in the National Guard as a tank commander. Michael was editor for Super Stock and Drag Illustrated Magazine, where he exponentially increased circulation. He was a freelance writer and photographer for newspapers and magazines. In 1974, Michael partnered with Tom Elliman to publish Maine Racing Annual Magazine. Michael was extremely dedicated and generous with his family. In 1991, Michael wrote the foreword to a book "Looking Back, Memories and Photographs" written by his friend Todd Webb. His gift for photography provided his family hundreds of beautiful memories. He was manager of the family real estate business at the time of his death. Michael was heavily involved in civic affairs. He served on the Portland Public Safety and Police Citizen Review Committee, spoke at City Council meetings and wrote letters to the editor. He was a political conservative, involved with the Republican Party, and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an expert marksman, and a member of the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club. A lifelong, devout Catholic, Michael was a communicant of St. Piux X Church. Michael was a member of the World Affairs Council, and his team won at World Quest, a testament to his intellect. As a young man he raced cars and enjoyed sailing. Michael and his father twice won the Moore Cup Sailing Race sponsored by the Portland Yacht Club. They also raced in the Mohegan Island Race. Michael leaves his sisters, Rosemarie Rowell Granger, and her husband Clark, of Woolwich, and Peggy Ann Keaney, and her husband Joseph, of Portland, his beloved nieces, Kimberly Ann Granger, of Bath, and Peggy Ann and Courtney Kathryn Levy, of Portland, and nephew Gregory Rowell Granger of South China, grandnephews Seamus O'Brien and Keagan Andrew Gethicker, and Kathryn Olivia Granger. Visitation will be held 6 to 8 p.m. at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave. Portland, Maine. Spring interment will be in the family plot in Vermont. Those desiring may make donations to: American Heart Association, 51 US Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Online Condolences for Michael Rowell