Gregory Rowe, 1951-2014

Gregory T. Rowe of Berwyn, Pa., passed away at home on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014, after a 14-month battle with cancer. He was born on Sept. 17, 1951 in New Bern, N.C. Greg was the director of culture initiatives and deputy director of the Philadelphia program at The Pew Charitable Trusts from 2009 to 2012. He began work at Pew in 1997 as a program officer in culture. His vision and the strategies that were implemented under his leadership continue to be contributing factors to Philadelphia’s cultural revitalization. He also oversaw special culture projects such as the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s program Engage 2020, and played a key role in supporting initiatives that reinvigorated the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance as the region’s primary advocate for arts and culture. Greg was involved in developing the Cultural Data Project from its inception in 2001 through 2011. The CDP is now used by thousands of cultural organizations and more than 100 funders throughout the country.

Prior to joining The Pew Charitable Trusts, Greg was the managing director of People’s Light & Theatre Company in Malvern, Pa. Greg’s support and appreciation for artists, his care and interest in young people, and his wonderful sense of humor made him beloved by all who worked there. He had a profound and lasting impact on People’s Light and its community. In addition to his roles at Pew and People’s Light, Greg enriched the regional cultural scene through his voluntary service on numerous boards over the years, including the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and Delaware Valley Grantmakers. He also served as a member of various funding panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and other funding organizations.

Greg and his husband were avid travelers. Together they visited more than 100 countries and seven continents. A memorial service celebrating Greg’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at People’s Light & Theatre Company, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, Pa. 19355.