RICHARD ANTHONY DOWD

DOWD, Richard Anthony 85, of Boston, passed away Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 at home. Richard, son of the late John and Grace (McGowan) Dowd, was born Jan. 1, 1930 in Worcester. He attended Chicopee High School and went on to graduate from Newman Prep. High School. Richard received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Boston College, and received his Master's Degree in Education from Springfield College. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Richard was a vital part of his family, and was always there for them. He loved to travel and go on trips, especially to the casinos with his friends and siblings. He also enjoyed spending time in Florida. He enjoyed planning the trips most of all. Richard had an enthusiasm for life and was an avid gardener and photographer. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his life partner, Charles Murphy; his brothers, John Dowd, David Dowd, and Paul Dowd; and his sisters, Marie Wilson, Nancy Windrum, Marguerite Wholley, Carol Smith, and Grace Dowd. Richard will be missed by all who knew him, including his brother, James Dowd of Longmeadow; his sisters, Dottie McMahon of East Longmeadow, Eileen O'Keefe of Wales, and Virginia DiBernardo of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Visiting Hours for Richard will be held, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015 from 8:30-9:30 am at Sampson's Funeral Home, 710 Liberty St., SPRINGFIELD. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will follow at 10 am at Mary, Mother of Hope Church, 840 Page Boulevard, Springfield. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, 1601 State St., Springfield. The family would like to acknowledge Richard's friends, Phil Short and Auday Al-Saad, for their invaluable assistance and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in Richard's memory, may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.