JOHN THOMAS DOW obituary, Pittsburgh, PA

In memory of

JOHN THOMAS DOW

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Ralph W Fowler

November 10, 2023

John wrote a flight simulator for the TI-99/4a home computer back in the early 80's. That's how I came to know him. He was such a nice guy.

Sailing on Lake Carlos 1961

Joan Styve

February 7, 2018

Summer 1974 over Alexandria

Joan Styve

February 7, 2018

Holding one of Grandma's sheep 1954

Joan Styve

February 7, 2018

High School graduation 1964

Joan Styve

February 7, 2018

Deb Espesete (Larson)

January 21, 2018

I am so saddened to hear of John's passing it's far too early. My most enduring and endearing memories are of Uncle John flying into the tiny field of an airport' near Holden Beach, NC and playing exuberant games (!) of gin rummy, Mille Bornes and Pit during that summer visit. Thinking of all of you over the last week and wishing you peace at heart.

Anna Rose Benson

January 19, 2018

John and I were cousins. I was third to the littlest so he was a big cousin to me, but without knowing him well I always liked him and admired him, too. He made us kids laugh and talk and invented games - especially ones that got us jumping in that ice-cold Minnesota lake. He talked to everyone , even me, a little kid, and was kind.
I remember when he came over one summer day between high school and college to show us his Yale sweatshirt - he'd ben accepted! We were so impressed and happy and proud!

Joan Styve

January 19, 2018

I am going to miss our philosophical talks, discussions on politics, dogs, and just generally how things work. He was my go-to-resource for just about any information on computer hardware and software. He left us too soon!

Deb Canter

January 19, 2018

My condolences to John's family. Our paths crossed in the 1970's when he gave me a job in his department at Western Psych. He taught me about computers, on the job, and we shared computers and airplanes for the short time we worked together. We lost touch after I moved on to flight instruction and air traffic control. His influence on my path in life after grad school was immense. I am sad to learn of his passing.

Judy B.

January 19, 2018

My condolences to the Family. May God strengthen the Family during this difficult time. Isa. 41:1O,13.

Carmen Finnessy

January 18, 2018

My deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Laura Hays

January 18, 2018

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts

Mary Zuniga

January 17, 2018

Ernst, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nic DeGrave

January 17, 2018

(con't 2/2) For your family, you had limitless understanding, acceptance, generosity, and love. I could feel it radiating from you at that table where we all discussed the merits of different majors and Kris's career. For that profound caring, you deserve every honor and accolade held in your survivors's memories.

I owe you for being there for Kris when her husband Cam passed and for supporting her college dream after. Thank you for your hospitality to me during my visits and for introducing me to the best Indian and Mexican food in the least likely-looking restaurants. Thanks for the long chats about fine-tuning mileage on a Prius--you may have worried I found it dull, but that stuff actually fascinates me, so I enjoyed it.

Every moment I spent with you, even when I baffled your curiosity with my purple Mohawk and piercings, was memorable. I've had many acclaimed college teachers of whom I couldn't say the same.

Thank you for being in my life, Mr. Dow. Thank you for loving the people and animals I valued most. If there's something more out there, may it keep you ever curious but never quite satisfied. And may there, of course, be dogs.

Blessing and love to family and friends of John Dow. As you know, you were lucky to have him.

-Nico/Nic Degrave

Nic DeGrave

January 17, 2018

Blessings and safe passage, John. Nic here. You may remember me as the one you followed into the bathroom to continue an intellectual debate. I cannot tell you how often I told that story with admiration and head-shaking humor. It exemplified your curiosity, your zeal to understand others, your need to know and to share your prodigious and diverse knowledge.

You were dryly funny, engaged, and passionate about all of your interests. I remember hours spent philosophizing about writing, debating the value of math and science versus art and verbal skill. I had such respect for your facility in conversation.

These seem like remote terms with which to memorialize someone as loving as you, John. I began that way because I think you would've wanted to know that I got it after all these years. You would be happy to know I got books on more advanced math to study for a conversational rematch. I'm sorry we won't have it, at least not here and now.

Now I'll get to the emotion, where I'm more comfortable.

You gave me a laptop for only fifteen dollars. That connected me to my friends and to my fiction, two things I needed at the time I most needed them. Thank you.

You kept Kris's husband under the best care so I could spend time with them both and go to London with Kris, just relax and have one of the best times of my life. Without you that would've been impossible. Thank you.

I remember talking to you about your dog, Krieger (this thing is insistent about spelling, I hope it's correct) and how devastated you were to lose him. I could feel that love and that black confusion of loss that death always inflicts even in your typed words.

I was glad you and that wriggly puppy Kris and I helped pick in Pittsburgh (the dog formally known as Justine) became lifelong companions. Neither of you could have a better friend or caregiver. You shared part of a soul. I know bonds like that remain, even if it's in the respect and love friends and family feel for you. (con't 1/2)

January 17, 2018

Dear Donna: I'm so sorry for your loss. Your classmates will hold you in our prayers.

Anita LaPorta Altman

Theresa Cygrymus and Family

January 17, 2018

So very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a brilliant man.

C T

January 17, 2018

May the family find comfort and peace from God's word during this time because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7

Kathy Clemence

January 16, 2018

Very sad to hear of John's passing. I credit him with giving me a chance at a professional career and helping me to begin my path in the IT field that I continue to thrive in. I recall just how intelligent he was, even creating the computer language I first used. My thoughts and prayers are with him, Donna, Kris and all of his loved ones.

Amy Schramm

January 16, 2018

Ernst, my deepest condolences on the loss of your father.

Burrill & Mary Dreifke

January 16, 2018

Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely.

Legacy Remembers

Posted events

January 17, 2018

Jan

18

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

William Slater II Funeral Service

1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Jan

19

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

William Slater II Funeral Service

1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Jan

19

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

William Slater II Funeral Service

1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Jan

20

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

William Slater II Funeral Service

1650 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

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