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Joseph Julian Dowd

1941 - 2010

BORN

1941

DIED

2010

Joseph Dowd Obituary

Joseph Julian Dowd, 69, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church in Bedford. Interment: Bear Creek Cemetery in Euless. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Michael Catholic Church, with prayer vigil beginning at 7 p.m. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joseph Dowd's name to the National Lung Cancer Partnership, 222 N. Midwale Blvd., Suite 6, Madison, Wis. 53705. Joseph Julian Dowd was born in Far Rockaway, N.Y., on April 2, 1941, to Francis and Antoinette Groenewold Dowd. Joe grew up in a loving family with five siblings, all of whom survive him: Donald Dowd of Jupiter, Fla., Paul Dowd of Manchester, N.H., James Dowd of Duxbury, Mass., Frances LaPenna of King of Prussia, Pa., and Phillip Dowd of Dublin, Ga. Joe graduated from Central High School in Valley Stream, N.Y., in 1959. He then attended St. Anselm's College in Manchester, N.H., and New York State University at Farmingdale while serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Valley Stream Fire Department - a passion he pursued for over 20 years. It was during his time at Farmingdale that Joe developed a fondness for his sister's friend, Judith DeClue. The two were married Sept. 17, 1966. After an abbreviated honeymoon, Joe was whisked away the next day to basic training and later Vietnam, where he served with distinction in the U.S. Army from Sept. 21, 1966, to Sept. 2, 1968, earning the Air Medal. Upon his safe return to the United States, Joe and Judy enjoyed 44 years of devoted marriage. Their life together was blessed with a wonderful family as Joe was a loving and dedicated father of three: Christine Fox of Keller, Lauren Bieryla-Hutto of Grapevine and Joseph Dowd of Dallas. Joe was a loyal employee of American Airlines in flight dispatch for 40 years and a builder of custom homes. He retired in 2005 to enjoy spending time with his wife, his children, his 11 grandchildren and his many hobbies, especially the Colleyville Citizens Fire Academy.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Sep. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Dowd

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October 27, 2010

My brother Joe...
I vaguely remember the incidents actually happening, but well remember the stories. At 66 East, our family home where we all grew up, the kitchen had a door leading to the cellar stairs. One day the door was left open, and mom told me to close the cellar door. Being a very obedient 2-year old, I did exactly as I was instructed. So, with great zest and enthusiasm I slammed the door closed. Wham....!! Unfortunately, Joe was standing on the other side of door's threshold! Joe decended uncontrollably down the stairs. End result: a broken arm. But,but... I was only doing as I was told! Shortly after Joe's cast came off, two young brothers were playing on the front porch. Somehow, little brother, Jim, pushed big brother, Joe, over the edge. You guessed it -- Joe landed on the same arm! And again, the arm was in a cast. Ah... such memories. Joe learned not to walk in front of me or behind me... but, instead he always walked beside me... as a true friend and brother. Joe and I were close. Our lives paralleled.. with Joe being only 2 years older than I. We shared so very much together. I miss him. --
Younger brother, Jim

Marty Dowd

October 26, 2010

Dear Aunt Judy, Christie, Laurie, and Joey + your wondeful families,

Uncle Joe was my Godfather, and as such, always had a special place in my heart.
Sadly, because my family was and is residing in New Hampshire, we didn't have the opportunity to visit very much.
At the occasional family reunion (usually held in Massachsetts) we got the chance to catch up on news and stories.
I do remember as a young teenager, my family and I visited him in Valley Stream, NY.
He was a volunteer fireman at the time, and so the scanner was always on in the house.
I will never forget that Uncle Joe said that if he had a fire call during the night we were visiting, that I had to lay out my clothes "fireman style" so as to be ready in a hurry to accomapny him to the firehouse to see the excitment.
I will never forget him.

Joe and Judy at the SCC Group Christmas gathering

Ted & Mary Lou Giles

September 28, 2010

Gayle and Don Bieschke

September 21, 2010

Dear Christie, Lauri and Joey,

We would like to share some of our memories with you about your parents, Judy and Joseph.

What wonderful and cherished friends.

We met Judy and Joe through St. Michael's Church. We were in a prayer group and called ourselves "Our New Family." This became more apparent as time went on, being transplants to Texas.

We shared in our group meetings at our homes. I remember that Joe liked coming to our home because he loved the lemon pie that was served after the meeting. One time I did not serve lemon pie and he was really disappointed. We joked about it. In future meetings it was a very special dessert for him.

He also took time to help everyone. He fixed my grandson's bike when the chain broke. Tyler was so proud to come back to our home and tell me Mr. Dowd fixed the chain. When we would go by your parent's home he would always say, "That is Mr. Dowd's house, he fixed my bike."

Joe was very proud of his roses on the side of your home. He said, "The garden is small." But we could see how beautiful it was when they were in bloom. Both Joe and Don loved their roses.

When we first met he would be smoking his pipe outside and I loved the aroma of that cherry smoke.

We were fortunate to have been married the same year as Judy and Joe. After 25 years of marriage we celebrated together with Jane and Gary Chevier. We went to Lawry's Steak House, (famous for prime rib, your dad's favorite) with a 25th Anniversary paper bell as our centerpiece. Your dad told the waiter we were celebrating 75 years of marriage. What a laugh and what a wonderful memory this is.

Judy and Joe visited us for a quick lunch in Clinton Township, Michigan after we moved from Texas in 1989. What a beautiful day we had. Compliments of American Airlines.

We celebrated our 40th Anniversary with Judy and Joe at Don and Joanne Slanina's in Okemos, Michigan when they came for a weekend. This was in September 2006 It was wonderful.

One of the fondest memories that Don thinks of often is when they were having their great chats about life's experiences. Don told Joe he was his "Texas Brother." If someone was going to pick a wonderful brother it was Joe. They also shared information of books they read.

Our last visit with Joe was when Judy was in the hospital in November. We all know he was by Judy's side day and night. We decided to take him to lunch in late afternoon. We went to the bagel shop near the hospital and before we knew it the place was closing and we were still talking about life. The owner came over and gave us a bag of so many bagels and sweets, then asked us to leave. They wanted to go home. We split the goodies after much laughter giving each other hugs, kisses and with prayers in our hearts for Judy and said, "See you later."

Joe was a loving husband and a very proud father and grandfather. Everyone who knew him and shared in his life will miss him.

We thank God for the blessing of knowing Joe. We will always keep your mother and your families in our hearts and our prayers.

With great love and prayers.

Tyler said,"Mr. Dowd Fixed my bike"

September 21, 2010

"Texas Brothers"

Gayle and Don Bieschke

September 21, 2010

40th Anniversary

Gayle and Don Bieschke

September 21, 2010

25th Anniversary

Gayle and Don Bieschke

September 21, 2010

"Our New Family"

Gayle and Don Bieschke

September 21, 2010

Dom and Sally Gattuso

September 16, 2010

Our friendship with Joe was rejuvenated when we joined HEB Fitness and there he was in his jeans walking on the treadmill. He and Dom never ran out of things to talk about coming from CT and NJ, or they would manage the Rangers and cure the state of the Country and the world. We will miss his smiling face and his honest and caring personality. And his love for his family was always evident. To Judy, Christy, Laurie, Joey and their families...Go in the strength you have and God will go with you. With love,

Doug & Betty Cook

September 15, 2010

To Judy, Christy and family, Laurie and family, and Joey and family,
So many good memories to choose from, but going to Panera's after 9AM Mass were special times. Although we all usually ordered the same thing each week, Joe always made certain that the coffee was fresh. He and Doug could talk for several hours, often outlasting Judy and me. The guys covered all topics, but vehicles and house-related stuff took priority. Stories about the grandkids also came up regularly. There will never be a day that we don't think about Joe, his stories, his love of Judy and the family, and especially his big grins. We love you all and cherish your friendship.

Judy & John Moran

September 10, 2010

Our love and prayers to you, Judy, and all the family as you journey down this transition road. The Visitation Service on Friday night and Funeral Mass and Graveside Service on Saturday were indeed tributes to Joe and how he
lived his life and treasured his family. As we were driving to the Funeral Services through Waco, we remembered the last time we were in Waco -- meeting our special friends Joe and Judy for lunch at Cracker Barrel. May God wrap his arms around all of you and lessen your pain of loss more each day.

Chiro. Family

September 10, 2010

Joe was an great man. I always looked forward to seeing him. He was a big teddy-bear of a man. Our prayers are with all of you.

Kelly Delnickas and family

September 9, 2010

I always looked forward to seeing Uncle Joe and Aunt Judy at family reunions. Uncle Joe was always so happy to be around family! He always had a smile on his face and I can hear his voice saying "Howdy Ya'll". He was so proud to talk about his own children and share stories of his grand children. We will all miss his amazing spirit and zest for life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. God Bless.

September 9, 2010

I will always remember Joe at Mark and Christy's wedding. He was so proud of both of them and wanted only thebest for them. He was loved and respected by many ,but especially his family. Cathy Lites Wchita Falls, TX

September 9, 2010

Christy, lifting up your family during this time. May you cherish the memories you have of your dad/grandfather. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. The La Fara Family

Alex and his beloved Grandpa

Lauren Bieryla-Hutto

September 9, 2010

William C. Savage

September 3, 2010

I will always cherish the memory of Joe in our First Citizen's Fire Academy here in Colleyville. I, too was raised in the Northeast part of the country and enjoyed my conversations with Joe, especially regarding food. What a special and kind man he was. I believe I can speak for all the Firefighters in Colleyville and say that we will miss you dearly. --

Pat and Dick Oliver

September 3, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

April 2010

September 3, 2010

Joe leading Colleyville CFAAA Rehab Fire Scene Response

Andrea Gruben-Renegar

September 2, 2010

Judy and family, our thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort are with you. Joe was such an amazing man and I will cherish his guidance, wisdom and friendship always.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Barbie

September 2, 2010

Our love and prayers are with all of you right now....I wish I could be there physically, but I am in thought.

Donna Dawson

September 2, 2010

What a nice man, my prayers to your family.

Eric Martello

September 2, 2010

Prayers sent from the Martellos of Keller, TX. May the Lord be with the Dowd family during this difficult time.

Kathy & Randy Helgason

September 2, 2010

Judy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our memories of Joe are fond ones that we will certainly cherish. Randy enjoyed working with him while on the HOA board at Windview. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Brian Dowd

September 2, 2010

The ultimate tribute to Uncle Joe's life is the wonder family he has cultivated. It was so obvious over the past few months as you have all been so admirably strong, loving and together. We're thinking of you all
Cousin Brian - Dana and the girls (Reagan, Amelia and Adrienne)

Joanne & Don Slanina

September 2, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We have such wonderful memories of joyous times spent with Joe and Judy and will miss Joe deeply. May God ease the pain of your loss at this time. Much Love.

Vicki Godding-Boos

September 2, 2010

He was a good man and a loving grandfather. Are thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Vicki- Tom and Tristan Boos

JoAnne Dowd

September 2, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ron May

September 2, 2010

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I came to know Joe while working out at the HEB Harris Methodist Hospital Health Club. While pedaling our stationary bikes we would reminisce about our experiences getting a Catholic education, Joe in New York and myself in Illinois. And of course, we never missed a chance to solve all of the world's problems. I will miss those chats and Joe's upbeat persona.

Stacy Bannen

September 2, 2010

Christy, you and your family are in my prayers. I'm thinking of you today and will see you tomorrow at the service. Hug your mom and babies for me.

Guy Tino

September 2, 2010

Christy and family - I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Much love from back East.

Guy Tino

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