Gaylord G. Rowe, 84, formerly of Ellenburg Depot, N.Y., and Ocala, Fla., passed away on Dec. 28, 2021.

He was born in Malone on Sept. 15, 1937, the son of Gaylord E. and Irene (Greer) Rowe.

Gaylord graduated from Ellenburg Central School and later served in the United States Army and Reserves from 1955-1963.

He began working at Rowe Brothers Inc. in Ellenburg Depot which was known as a Ford Auto Dealership. Rowe Brothers Inc. also took on RV dealerships with Winnebago Motor Homes from 1972-1992, Terry Taurus Travel Trailers from 1967-1972, and Allouette Snowmobiles from 1967-1972.

Gaylord attended Ford Merchandising School, Class LIX in Detroit, Mich., at Henry Ford's Home in 1958 and in later years went to Detroit Ford Renaissance Center computer accounting classes.

After the death of his father, Gaylord became co-dealer and manager of the dealership. He earned from the Ford Motor Company many distinguished sales and service awards from 1980-1996, was a member of the Ford Motor Company 300-500 club, and earned Grandmaster sales awards for many years.

Gaylord enjoyed all aspects of the automobile industry including NASCAR. Ever since he was a teenager, Gaylord was a true lover of all things automotive.

He was a contributing member of the Ellenburg Depot Kiwanis Club for over 29 years with perfect attendance. He also proudly served as President and Lieutenant Governor of the Adirondack Division.

Gaylord was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Ellenburg where he held many offices.

Gaylord was committed to serving his community as a member of various service organizations including, Mt. Hermon Chapter 572 Masonic Lodge of Ellenburg, the Frontier Lodge 517 F.A.M. in Chateaugay, a Nogales Shriner of the Mystic Shrine of North America, and the Oriental Shriners of Troy, N.Y.

Gaylord married Veronica Taylor on Jan. 14, 1972. Together, they lived in Ellenburg Depot and later built their home on Chateaugay Lake where they resided for numerous years until moving to Ocala, Fla., where Gaylord continued to work at many auto auctions, retiring in 2011.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Veronica Rowe; children, Brooke (Conney) Rowe, Jayce (Janet) Ashline, Trevor (Shari) Ashline, Beth (Trevor) Williams, and Tanya (Steven) Mulka; brother, Richard (Marjorie) Rowe; sister, Nancy Duniho; grandchildren, Gaylord Rowe, Carey DeCoste, Trevor (Candace) Williams, Erika (Tyler) D'Amore, Nicholas Mulka, Dylan Mulka, Megan Ashline, Spencer Ashline, Loghan Ashline, Maison Ashline and Brett Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Tenley Williams and Declan D'Amore; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Rabideau Funeral Home in Ellenburg. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Entombment will be in the Town of Ellenburg Mausoleum.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to the family to establish a scholarship in Gaylord's memory.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg, N.Y.