John Patrick Dowling

With heavy hearts, the family of John Patrick (Jack) Dowling shares that he passed away on December 4th in Naples, FL. Jack was loved dearly, is missed profoundly, and will always be cherished. Known as "Papa Jack" to his grandchildren, he lived a full life as an extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, uncle and grandfather.
Born on February 16, 1935, in Manhattan, NY, Jack was the eldest child of John Dowling and Winifred (McCabe) Dowling. The grandson of Irish immigrants, he grew up in Manhattan alongside his sisters, Winifred M. Goodchild and Sue Ann LaRocco. Jack attended Power Memorial High School and later graduated from Iona College.
A lifelong New York Giants (baseball and football) and Mets fan, Jack saw his fair share of ups and downs. He lived what could only be described as a charmed life, not through luck or circumstance, but through his unwavering work ethic, integrity, and the kindness he showed to others. He built a distinguished career in commercial real estate, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Real Estate at BJ's Wholesale Club but his proudest accomplishment was his family.
One New Year's Eve, on a blind date, Jack met the woman who would become his beloved wife of 58 years, Peggy Dowling. Together, they raised five children and made homes across the Northeast as Jack's career took them to new opportunities. From Holbrook, NY, to Budd Lake, NJ, to Clifton Park, NY, and later Marlborough, MA, Jack and Peggy always said they "grew where they were planted," leaving a lasting impact on every community they embraced.
His strong Catholic faith shaped his life; he served as an altar boy at Holy Trinity in Manhattan and later as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, visiting shut-in parishioners. Jack was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. Faith was the heartbeat of his life with Peggy. As parishioners of St. Matthias Church in Marlborough, Jack taught CCD and joyfully played Santa Claus for more than 14 years, while Peggy organized and led the annual Christmas Bazaar—a tradition they loved dearly.
In their later years, Jack and Peggy divided their time between Marlborough, MA, and Naples, FL. Naples became a place of treasured memories, where they gathered with their children and grandchildren for spring breaks, holidays, and countless joyful moments. Our family was truly blessed to have connected with Rose Marie, who was a loving and devoted caregiver to both Jack and Peggy over the past several years.
Always curious, with a zest for life and a profound love of nature, Jack stayed active in his youth playing everything from stick ball on the Upper West Side to swimming in the East River. As a kid, he enjoyed hide-and-seek at the Museum of Natural History and in his high school years cheered on the basketball team at Power Memorial. He fearlessly joined his kids on the slopes, learning to ski at the age of 42. A man of many talents and interests, he also pursued gardening, bird and alligator watching.
He loved the movies and musicals and as a young man would get standing room access at Broadway shows, courtesy of the neighborhood Fire Marshall, Pappy. Growing up during the Great Depression, he spent his Saturdays at the matinee and in recent years was known to call every day looking for movie recommendations. He lived a long, full life and had the same twinkle in his eye at 90 as he had when he was a little boy.
Jack was predeceased by his wife Margaret T. Dowling and is survived by his children: Kerry A. Dowling of Boston, MA; John C. Dowling and his wife Jane E. (Martinez) Dowling, of Riverdale, NY; Tracy E. (Dowling) McCabe and her husband Brian J. McCabe, Esq., of Bethesda, MD; Courtney M. (Dowling) McCombs and her husband Raymond J. McCombs, Jr., of Chatham, NJ; and Colleen P. Dowling of Boston, MA, by his six cherished grandchildren: Brendan McCabe, Grace McCombs, Ignacio Dowling, Liam McCombs, Katherine McCabe and Joaquin Dowling and by his sister, Sue Ann LaRocco.
Jack's life will be celebrated at Fuller Funeral Home, 4735 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL. Viewing services will be held Monday, December 15, from 4-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will follow on Tuesday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Finbarr's Church, 13520 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack's honor to:
Iona University Scholarship Fund: https://www.iona.edu/alumni/donate-now

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Jack, please complete the donation form and be sure to:
Check off “I would like to dedicate this gift.”
Select “In memory of.”
Enter “John P. Dowling ’58” as the honoree name.