Richard John Rowland II

Richard John Rowland II, 56, affectionately known as John, Johnny or Jethro, died unexpectedly on April 9, 2026 at his home in Gray Maine.

He was born in Portland Maine to Sandra (Pleau) and Richard Rowland on July 8, 1969. He graduated from Bonney Eagle High School and went on to a career in Masonry. He was very proud of his work and would always make sure to point out all the masonry jobs he did around town when driving Portland and the surrounding areas. September 21, 2001 was the best day of his life when his daughter Samantha 'Sammy' Rowland was born. He was the best Dad ever and would move heavan and earth for her, always. They enjoyed their time together fishing on Saturdays and getting Sammy's nails done on Sundays. As she grew older, fishing trips were few and far between but he always made sure to call her everyday to tell her that he loved her and that maybe she would like to go camping and catch a fish or two again. John was an avid heavy metal fan and embraced the lifestyle to the fullest. He started playing the guitar in middle school and never stopped. He sang and played guitar in several heavy metal bands including Perpetual Assault and STD. Under all that heavy metal was a heart of gold.

He is survived by his daughter Samantha Rowland, Raymond Maine. Brothers Stanley Foss and partner Kathy Kievitt, Dayton Ohio, Robert Rowland and partner Suzanne Roderick, Buxton Maine, and Joseph Rowland and partner Simonne Feeney, Portland maine. Nephews Chris Lambert, Jacob Foss and Jared Foss. Nieces Lyndsay Rowland and Jessica Rowland. Samantha's brother Richard 'Tony' Savoy, Raymond Maine. Longtime family friend Frank 'Buzzy' Beckwith and his daughters Tia and Lauren. Extended brothers Scott Jackson and Warren Meech. Partner Jennifer Fontaine, Gray maine. And numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his parents Sandra and Richard Rowland. His grandparents Barbara and Lester Pleau and Richard and Jesselyn Rowland.

A celebration of John's life will be held on April 25th, from 1-5 pm at Skips in Buxton Maine. There his family will auction off his guitar and all proceeds will be given to his daughter Sammy.

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