Obituary of Richard Mark Cowan

RICHARD COWAN Troy- Richard Mark Cowan, 73 of Troy, beloved husband of Mary Ellen McKenna Cowan, died Friday, November 21, 2014 at Rosewood Gardens, in Rensselaer. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Herbert and Marion (Wiley) Cowan. Richard was a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1962 until 1966. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in Engineering. Richard was an Environmental Engineer with the New York State Environmental Conservation Department for over 25 years. He was a former communicant of St. Francis deSales Church in Troy. A very big supporter and volunteer of the W.A.M.C. . He was also a supporter & volunteer of the Pyramid Lake Catholic retreat in the Adirondacks. Richard enjoyed the Troy farmers market where he was known to many people. Survivors in addition to his wife include his loving children Juliet (Peter) VanKampen of Menands and Peter (Helena) Cowan of Albany, his brother, Paul (Barbara) Cowan of NC and sister Nancy (Jerry) Clare of L.I . He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren Nicholas, Teddy, Isabella, Greg, and Julia and his 5 step-grandchildren Jessica, Heather, Amber, Jenna and Skye. Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Friday November 28, 2014 at 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church, 609 Central Avenue, Albany with Rev. James Bradley officiating. There will be no calling hours. The family request donations to the W.A.M.C. Public Radio 318 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12206 would be appreciated. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.