Thomas Robert Rowan

May 10, 1937 - December 15, 2022

AKA: Brother Owen FSC then Brother Thomas FSC.

Thomas passed away peacefully at home in San Bruno with his family by his side at the age of 85.

Born in San Francisco he grew up with his brothers John “Jack”, James “Jim”, William “Bill”, and Gary. Being the oldest of the boys, he joined Jack and Jim and managed to create mischief at home, Kezar stadium, and Stow Lake. Rough housing and fights were part of daily living. Living in the city was always an adventure for them. Tom grew up being a devoted 49er and Giants fan. Later on, as young adults, summers were spent at their home at the Russian River.

His first vocation was religious - a Christian Brother for 35 years. His second vocation was as a husband and father for 30 years. He married Sarah Marie in Sacramento, on August 22, 1992 at All Hallows Church.

He was a man of faith and prayer who had daily conversation with God “The Boss.” He would ponder these things and continue to “live Jesus in our hearts.”

Tom attended St Mary’s College, there he earned a BA-History and MA-Marriage, Family, Child Counseling. Tom spent 50 years as an educator, administrator and counselor. Br. Owen began his teaching at St. Mary’s High School, Berkeley then Teacher-Prefect at Christian Brothers in Sacramento. The Catholic Church allowed those in religious life to change their name after Vatican II. Br. Thomas became TeacherVice Principal at Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco. This was followed by being Headmaster at St. Mary’s Resident School in Napa. He returned to Sacred Heart and took on a new role as Director of Development. San Joaquin Memorial High School was his last assignment before heading to St. Mary’s College. There he earned his MA in Counseling Leadership. Upon completion of the program he returned to Christian Brothers High School as a teacher, counselor and administrator. After his departure from the Brothers, Tom spent the last 15 years as teacher, administrator, and counselor at Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo.

Students have remained in contact with him often describing him as a father figure who gave guidance, shared his knowledge, and showed genuine care. He was a mentor to students, colleagues and friends.

Tom was a good friend who enjoyed a cigar while discussing philosophy and theology. One of his traditions was calling friends on Spy Tuesday as a way of keeping in touch. He spontaneously gave gifts to family and friends “just because.”

Tom thought himself a farmer in his attempts to grow tomatoes, green beans and peas. On Good Friday he planted potatoes. His creative talents included flower arranging and tinkering. He was not a handyman as hard as he tried to be. He will be remembered as being warmhearted, caring and loveable.

He is survived by his loving wife Sarah, his son Michael as well as nieces and nephews: Annemarie (Matt), Steven, Eric (Lainie), Brian (Lori), Zackery (Erin), Ashley, Cathi, Chad, and Siobhan (Dustin).

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the care provided by Sutter Home Care and Sutter Hospice.

Friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, December 27th from 4-8pm at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave. in Daly City where a Vigil will begin at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 28th at 11am at St. Robert Church, 1380 Crystal Springs Rd. in San Bruno.

Please consider a donation in Tom’s memory to The LaSallian Foundation, Sacred Heart High School in SF or Serra High School in San Mateo.