Joel Rowlison, of Albany and formerly of Middleburgh, crossed the goal line and scored the greatest touchdown on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. To say he was a sports enthusiast would be an understatement.

Joel, affectionately known as "Gripper," loved every kind of sport there was, and played almost everything from childhood. All through his school years at Middleburgh he was on the football, baseball and basketball teams and later played with the local men's softball teams for many years. And if there was a game on the television or the radio, he knew the scores.

All of that sports energy came passionately from his heart, as did Joel's love of family friends and helping others. His many positions through the years from Becker Electronics, to Shaul Roofing and many others brought many friendships but none so dear to his heart as most recently being with the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, brightening the days and lives of the children, families and staff.

Joel was born 63 years ago on March 2, 1963 in Cobleskill to his mother, Mary (Borst) who survives him and his father, Charles Rowlison, who predeceased him. Joel was also predeceased by his beloved "fur babies" Frederica, Annjelly and Skittles.

Loving him forever are his mother: Mary Rowlison; his son: Zymier McCottry; his grandson: Hayden Vick; his twin brother; Dean (Ben) Rowlison; his sisters: Mitzi (Jerry, Sr.) Beretz and Cherie Rowlison; his niece: Ashley Garner; his nephews: Jerry (Tiffany) Beretz, Jr. and Joshua Beretz; his great-niece and great-nephew: Jinger and Jerry Beretz, III and many friends including his close friends Veronica and Marylynn.

A celebration of Joel's life will be in the summer, on a date to be announced.