Thomas J. DOWLER

DOWLER, Thomas J. Thomas J. Dowler of West Yarmouth, MA, formerly of Southington, CT passed away peacefully on October 26, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. Tom was the beloved husband of Florence (Brooks) Dowler. Born in Paterson, NJ, Tom was the son of the late Thomas J. Dowler and Helen (Tierney) Dowler. He graduated from East Hampton High School where he was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. He also was a graduate of Tunxis College. Tom worked for 30 years as a Facilities Assigner in the Engineering Department at Southern New England Telephone. During his tenure at SNET, Tom was VP of the Telephone Pioneers of America Charter Oak Chapter #88, Business Agent for the United Telephone Workers of America, and was selected to be part of the 1984 Olympic Torch Relay across the U.S. Tom was also the proprietor of Flo D's hot dogs and was well known for his homemade chili. Upon retiring to Cape Cod, Tom chose to keep busy working in a variety of positions. In Connecticut, Tom was a member of the Improved Order of Redmen-Wonx Tribe #28, Financial Secretary of the Knights of Columbus Isabella Council #15, Eucharistic Minister and religious education instructor at Mary Our Queen and St. Dominic Parrish. Tom coached his sons and their teams in baseball and basketball. During his time on the Cape, Tom was a member of the Sons of Erin, the Retired Men's Club and Financial Secretary for the Knights of Columbus - St. Pius X Council 10346. He was an avid golfer and cribbage player, and enjoyed watching the Red Sox, UConn basketball, Boston Celtics and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. He was fortunate to travel to Pittsburgh to see the Steelers play and to meet former Steelers great Lynn Swann. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and friends and spending time with his family. In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by four children. Cathee (Mark) Hayner, Thomas (Cathy) Dowler, Mary Jacques and Steven (Amy) Dowler. He was Gampy to nine grandchildren, Kady, Kristie, Abby, Bailey, Hanna, Nikki, Matthew, Megan and Mari. He will be missed by his dog Tobey. Memorial Masses will be celebrated on Friday (October 29, 2010) at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, West Yarmouth MA and on Saturday (October 30, 2010) at 11 a.m. at Mary Our Queen Church, Plantsville, CT. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA of Cape Cod Hospice, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601. Notes of sympathy and comfort to the family may be submitted at www.MorrisOConnorBlute.com