Shelburne Falls, MA – 1/17/1942 – 3/21/2026
Bruce Rowland, 84, of Shelburne Falls, passed away on March 21, 2026, in Greenfield after a long illness.
Born in Rhinebeck, New York, he was the son of Thelma (Casper) and Linwood Rowland. He was a graduate of Arms Academy.
Bruce was a lifelong member of the Shelburne Falls community. He began working as a pinsetter at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley and went on to become an active participant in the local candlepin bowling league and the Twin County Horseshoe League, earning numerous awards over the years. A dedicated and talented horseshoe player, he was proud to be named the 1993 Class B State Champion. He also enjoyed competitive cribbage and billiards.
Throughout his career, Bruce worked at Millers Falls Tools, Lunt Silversmiths, and GTD. He also spent time delivering furniture for Singley’s Furniture before finishing his working years at Lamson & Goodnow. In retirement, he could often be found making his daily visits to the Foxtowne Diner, where he stayed connected with friends and local happenings-always ready to share the latest New York Yankees statistics.
Bruce was devoted to his wife, Linda (Kennedy), with whom he recently celebrated 63 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed traveling, including many memorable cruises around the world. They raised four sons: Christopher of Colrain; Rick (Cherie) of Greenfield; Brian (Anissa) of Turners Falls; and Trevor of Charlemont.
One of Bruce’s greatest joys was the arrival of his first grandchild, Courtney-“finally a girl,” as he liked to say-followed by two more granddaughters, Haley and Taylor. He was also the proud great-grandfather of four.
He is survived by his brothers, Linwood (Sandy) of Colrain and Bob (Polly) of Arizona.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 52 State Street, Shelburne Falls. Johnson Funeral Home of Shelburne Falls assisted the family.
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