It is with overwhelming sadness that the family of Dennis M. Dowd announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at the age of 76.
Currently of Norfolk, Dennis was a life-long resident of Dover. A graduate of Stockbridge / Alpha Tau Gamma; UMASS Amherst with a BS in Urban Forestry; M.Ed in Instructional Design, he was a certified arborist and horticulturist; a HAZMAT Technician; course developer and instructor for the Mass Firefighting Academy and Middlesex Community College; a 45 year member of the Dover Fire Dept.; Fire Chief, Winchendon; past President Mass Nurseryman’s Association; past President Stone Street Strummers Banjo Band; member of the Dover Foundation; Dover Tree Warden for 34 years; former owner of Dowd’s Nursery and Landscape Development Inc.; and Treasurer of Deerfield Tree Farm Inc. (LDI); S.Sgt MA ARNG Ret.
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his wife Nancy of 48 years and son Gregory; his daughter-in-law Julie, and his two grandchildren, J.T. and Ryan; his sister Carole Slaman; his brother Mike and wife Peg; his brother Henry and wife Cindy; his wife’s brother and sister-in-law, David and Mary Critchlow; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Margaret, his sister Margaret, and his son Matthew.
A Celebration of Dennis’ life will be held on Thursday, April 28 at 10am at the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Dover followed by a reception at the Dover American Legion. A private burial will take place before the prayer service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Matthew Dowd can be made to: ALS TDI, 300 Technology Sq., Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02139.