Obituary of William Kip Rowan

William “Kip” Rowan, 74, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 9, 2025, in his home in West Orange, NJ.  Kip withstood a year-long battle with brain cancer, which he faced with courage and dignity.  Kip was the beloved son of William and Elvera Rowan (nee Nygren). 

Kip is survived by his wife Roseanne Rowan (nee Botte), son Erik Rowan, sister Nancy Bartolo Aelaei (Ali), brother Bruce Rowan (Theresa), and sister Barbara Rowan Berger.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Deborah DiFalco (Julian) and Darlene Orosz (Gary).  Kip is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews – Lisa Scalora (Michael), Jennifer Strozyk (John), Neil Berger (Liza), Charles Rowan (Carissa), David Berger, Danielle DiFalco, Ian DiFalco, Michelle Reigle (Dallas), Michael Sniegowski (Trisha), and David Sniegowski.  Kip is also survived by many loving great-nephews and great-nieces. 

He was a gentle soul with a kind spirit who cared deeply for others and was driven by a certain mental and physical fortitude.  He embarked on a lifelong philosophical quest, always aiming toward the greater good, a high standard by which he carried himself, and a tranquil, moral existence.  Kip was a well-educated intellectual with an affinity for history, literature, spiritual teachings, and knowledge in general.  He sought adventure and was a world traveler.  Kip was a fun-loving, devoted friend and family man with a quick wit and an endearing sense of humor.

Kip always cherished his childhood and upbringing on Argyle Avenue in Orange, beside the “brook” and in his grandfather’s garden, with his brother, sisters, and friends.  He also looked back fondly on his summers at Ken-Etiwa-Pec Boy Scout Camp between the Appalachian Trail and Long Pine Pond.  Kip was a competitive athlete, playing baseball and varsity football at Orange High School.  He later drew upon his baseball savvy, coaching his son Erik and nephew Matthew, alongside Matthew’s father Michael, both to respective West Orange Travel Baseball championships.

He met his wife, Roseanne, in 1973, beginning a loving relationship that lasted over 50 years.  As a husband, he was a provider with a charming personality who always made Roseanne feel loved, comfortable, happy, and secure.  Kip was a devoted father and mentor to his son Erik, who he raised according to his wise perspective on life, sound morals, lessons on self-reliance, and unwavering guidance.   

Kip’s long-lasting career in video production began at Suburban Cablevision TV3, the leading local cable channel in the country during the late 1970’s into the mid-1980’s.  As a director/producer covering North & Central Jersey, Kip was near the forefront of TV3’s highly successful programming agenda that rivaled major networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, covering all categories of broadcasting.  He was a leader and integral part of the TV3 family, where he mentored many up-and-coming, successful production specialists and forged long-lasting friendships.  During Kip’s time, TV3 won close to 50 ACE awards (the cable industry’s national award for excellence), including “Best Cable in the Country” for multiple years running. 

Kip later brought his expertise to VH1 in New York City, as the sole studio director responsible for all programming released: veejay segments, musical performances, talk shows, and standup comedy.  During the late 80’s, a long list of famous actors, musicians, and comedians came through the doors of VH1.  He worked directly with celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver, Raquel Welch, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Carlos Santana, Bette Midler, Woody Harrelson, Demi Moore, Robert Downey Jr., and Whitney Houston.  Kip directed Watch Bobby Rivers as well as New Visions, a program dedicated to the best jazz musicians in the country, including Miles Davis, Tito Puente, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Shortly after the birth of his son Erik, Kip left VH1 and transitioned to family life, beginning a 31-year career at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  Around that time, he also received a Master of English Literature degree from Rutgers University.  As a video director and professor of media production, Kip brought his experience to the world of academia, where he mentored countless students.  He directed the university’s commencement ceremonies, TEDx Talks, university events, educational presentations, and programs featuring numerous political dignitaries.

Kip was also a decorated Freemason and integral part of Livingston Lodge #11 since 1995, serving as Worshipful Master in 2000, 2008, and 2009.  He proudly served as Grand Lodge Chaplain and Ambassador for the 8^th Masonic District.  Kip filled a role as a leader in his lodge and was a mentor to many Freemasons during his 30 years as a Brother – roles that he held in very high regard.   

Kip’s memory will live on in the hearts of those that knew and loved him. 

In lieu of flowes, it is the family's whishes that donations be made in Kip's name to Donate Today | The American Cancer Society