Richard John Gowe

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Richard John Gowe, 64, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Jacqueline Gowe. Richard entered eternal rest surrounded by his family in his home on Saturday, June 7, 2025, leaving a legacy of generosity and an enduring imprint on his community.

Richard was born on March 4, 1961, in Passaic, New Jersey, son of Gene Arthur Gowe and Barbara Ferraro Gowe. He moved to South Carolina in 1979, graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1983. He later earned a Master's in Architecture from Rice University in 1989.

With over 40 years of experience, Richard was a cornerstone of LS3P's Charleston office, serving as a Principal and the Charleston Office Leader. He specialized in commercial development, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Charleston cityscape. Known as a "businessman's architect," he designed outstanding urban and architectural spaces while respecting the city's historical context. Beyond his commercial work, Richard was deeply committed to affordable housing, driven by a desire to help underserved community members. This dedication led him to foster a close relationship with One80 Place homeless shelter, with his office contributing to the design of their facilities. He worked tirelessly to align numerous public and private organizations, including the City of Charleston, to achieve the optimal balance between good design and affordability for comfortable and dignified housing. This project is currently under construction.

Above all, Richard cherished his family deeply and was highly involved in his children's lives, volunteering as a baseball and soccer coach and fostering his daughter's dream to become a professional ballerina. He managed to maintain a balance between his demanding professional career while being loving and dedicated in his children’s lives.

An avid gardener, Richard took great pride in contributing to the design and construction of the Daniel Island School and Community Garden-a unique initiative that combined resources to benefit both the school and the wider community. Located at the school his children attended, the garden was founded and led by Richard and Jacqueline for ten years.

Along with his wife of 28 years, Jacqueline, Richard is survived by his two sons, Christopher Richard Gowe, Aidan Thomas Gowe, and daughter, Annaliesa Fiore Gowe. He is also survived by his three sisters, Bobbie (Roy) Cabibbo, Laure (Fred) Barrett, Carolyn (Cosmo) DeBellis, and four brothers, Robert (Sue) Gowe, Scott (Christine) Gowe, Gene (Carolyn) Gowe, John (Julie) McGowen.

Richard will be remembered for his exceptional wit, profound generosity, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around him. His example and positive spirit will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His memorial service will be held Friday, June 13, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Unitarian Church of Charleston, 4 Archdale Street. The family will receive friends following the service in Gage Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the EHE Foundation at www.fightehe.org