John F. “Jack” Rowe of Peabody, MA, passed away on August 23, 2025, at age 90.
A pillar of the Massachusetts pro-life movement, Jack served on the Massachusetts Citizens for Life Board of Directors from 1976–2022, including more than a decade as head of the Federal Political Action Committee.
He was deeply passionate about defending the right to life of the unborn and was widely recognized for his tireless dedication, driving from Salem to Charlestown for monthly board meetings for many years. In 2017, he received the Peggy McCormack Award for his lifelong commitment to MCFL and the pro-life cause.
Jack was also a Boston College graduate, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a longtime telecommunications engineer, overseeing projects such as the fiber-optic networks for Salem, Beverly, and Marblehead. He was active in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Massachusetts Alliance Against Doctor-Prescribed Suicide.
He is survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Cynthia, stepchildren Kimberly and Sandra, and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. His funeral Mass will be held at St. Adelaide’s Church in Peabody on Friday, August 29, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MCFL or Our Lady of Clear Creek Abbey.