John Francis Dow

John Francis Dow 1924 - 2008 ADAMS John Francis Dow, the grand life of John Francis Dow came to an end on earth at 8:58 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Jack, as he was known to all, was born in Adams, on March 17, 1924, to proud parents, Frank and Eleanor Dow. Following graduation from Cushing Preparatory in 1942, he joined the Navy and received his Navy Wings of Gold at the age of 19. He furthered his education at Harvard University as a Naval Officer. During his military career Jack had many assignments including serving in South America in World War II, VP-7, VP-3, VW-14, Naval Post Graduate School, serving as CIC Officer on the USS Coral Sea and as the commanding officer of VP-47 a squadron of P-5 Marlins stationed at Oak Harbor Naval Station. He retired after 27 years of distinguished service to his country. After his retirement from the Navy, he redirected his career to education and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Old Dominion University. Commander Dow served as a NJROTC Instructor for the Virginia Beach School District for 12 years. Anyone who knew Jack also knows he was an avid golfer who enjoyed many rounds with many great friends in the Greater Norfolk/ Virginia Beach Area at courses including Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Greenbrier Country Club and Cypress Pointe. Of all of Jack Dow's accomplishments in life, none is greater than his finding, courting and marrying the eternal love of his life, his spouse, whom he leaves, Ernestine Adams Dow, Ernie to all. This union produced seven children: William Dow, Boston, Jacqueline Cooper, Phoenix, Ariz., Sharon Nassar, Orwigsberg, Pa., Michael Dow, Yorktown, Va., Tracey Satterfield, Athens, Ga., Rebecca Pileckas, Virginia Beach, Va., and Frank Dow, Ashland, Va. Further, Jack also leaves twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren and counting. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Jack Dow will be held at the HOLLOMAN-BROWN BAYSIDE CHAPEL at 1457 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA at 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2008. His remains will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Davis Corners Rescue Squad.