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Harold "Joe" Dow

1939 - 2023

Harold "Joe" Dow obituary, 1939-2023, Barefoot Bay, NH

BORN

1939

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth

84 Broad Street

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Harold Dow Obituary

Harold "Joe" Dow

Barefoot Bay, NH - Harold "Joe" Dow, 83, Barefoot Bay, FL passed away peacefully on July 18th at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, FL with his wife and daughter by his side.

Born on July 31, 1939 in Portsmouth, NH, he was the son of the late George W. and Helen M. (Carkin) Dow. Joe was a long-time resident of Portsmouth where he graduated from Portsmouth High School class of 1957 and later joined the Portsmouth Fire Department and retired as Lieutenant after 20 years of service. Upon retiring, he and Jackie spent many New England winters in Barefoot Bay, FL. Joe loved the warm weather and after living in Portsmouth for 81 years they moved to Barefoot Bay in 2020.

He proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years. He was a longtime member of the Portsmouth Moose Lodge and the Portsmouth Elks.

Joe was a man who fought hard for others. He was instrumental in passing laws that increased benefits for all retired firefighters and their spouses. He was the secretary/treasurer of the NH Retired Firefighter's Association for 7 years, a trustee of the NH Retirement System for 8.5 years. He lobbied for both the NH Retired Firefighters and State Police for 13 years.

He was a happy-go-lucky, energetic and life of the party kind of guy who always made you laugh. He truly believed laughing was what keeps us young. He had a way of lighting up a room with his gregarious personality.

Joe loved the game of golf. He was a long-time member of the Portsmouth Country Club and served as secretary for 12 years. His proudest moment was when he played at Augusta National. His dearest friends were his golf partners and he enjoyed spending time with them on the course, and at the 19th hole!

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Dow of Barefoot Bay, FL, his daughter, Bonnie and husband Larry Collins of Topsfield, MA, as well 3 grandchildren that were the love of his life, Meghan Collins, Ethan Collins and Declan Collins as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and seven siblings.

Services: a time of visitation will be held from 10AM-12PM with a memorial service to immediately follow at 12PM on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad

Street, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Joe's Club, Adult Day Care facility at 7951 Ron Beatty Blvd Micco, FL 32976 or online at Joe's Club or to the William Childs Hospice House. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Jul. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Dow

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5 Entries

Neal Scott NH State Police - Retired

August 4, 2023

To the family Of Joe, may all the wonderful memories of him from the past be a source of healing and comfort to you during this difficult time. Joe was a friend to all.. he did great things on behalf of both the NH Fire Fighters and the NH State Police in regards to retirement benefits. He will be missed by many.

Thomas Burrill

July 28, 2023

Thank you Joe for all you did for the Fire Service your efforts were so helpful to many. I remembered Joe from some of the early retired Fire fighter meetings. Seems like just yesterday but this years marks 30 yrs retired from Concord Fire.

Phil Winn

July 28, 2023

Joe, thank you for all you did for youre union. in Portsmouth.





























Thank you Joe for all you did for the Union on PFD. You were a good friend all those yearsYou will be missed.RIP my friend.

Robert D Machain

July 27, 2023

Mr. Dow, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH Semper Fidelis

Arthur Beaudry

July 27, 2023

Dear Jacqueline, Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. He was a man that always wanted to help others. Joe and Tom Houghton were mentors for us young firefighters who worked on retirement issues in Concord. I had the privilege to work with Joe on the NHRS Board of Trustees. He was a trailblazer on that board, and I can honestly say, he made a difference in Firefighters lives throughout the state. He was the Arnold Palmer of the fire service when it came to playing golf. Thank you for all you´ve done Joe. May you rest in peace brother.
Arthur Beaudry

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Memorial Events
for Harold Dow

Jul

31

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth

84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Jul

31

Memorial service

12:00 p.m.

J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth

84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Funeral services provided by:

J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth

84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

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