Colonel William Henry Rowerdink, USAF (RET.)

Colonel William H. Rowerdink, U.S. Air Force (Ret.) of Corona del Mar, California, husband of Marion Rowerdink, died Sunday, December 19, 2010.

Bill was born in Rochester, New York, and earned his degree in Business at Syracuse University. Bill was a highly decorated pilot in WWII and spent 21 years in the Air Force. He flew on 21 major invasions in WWII and was one of the first pilots to drop paratroopers on the Invasion of Normandy. In addition he was instrumental in 1947 in the formation of the United States Air Force. Bill later found his true love and married Marion his wife of 57 years. In 1965 they moved to Corona del Mar, CA, where they lived for almost 45 years. He was very involved in his community as a Shriner, a member of the Balboa Bay Club, and many other groups. “The Colonel” as he was lovingly referred to by friends and family never missed a soccer game or a tennis match or a baseball game that his sons played in... never. He was extremely devoted to his family and friends. He truly loved people and he was loved by many. He will be missed by his wife Marion, his sons, Bill, Jeff and Jay, and his 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was always there for us. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 23, 2010, at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Corona del Mar.