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BORN
1939
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Peter Dowling Obituary
Peter Chisholm Dowling, 79, of Old Lyme, CT, passed away peacefully on August 10 with his wife Denise by his side. He was born January 23, 1939 in Scarsdale, NY to the late Anne Chisholm Dowling and John J. Dowling. He was the second of five brothers: John, Roderick, Brian and Robert.
Mr. Dowling was a graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY and attended Southern Illinois University. He began his long tenure in the automobile business in 1961 at Smith Cairns Ford in Bronxville, NY. In 1976, he opened Dowling Ford in Cheshire, CT, which went on to receive many Distinguished Achievement awards from Ford Motor Company. He subsequently owned an additional dealership, Dowling Toyota, located in Litchfield, CT. Mr. Dowling touched many lives and was cherished by countless family members, friends, colleagues and employees. He will be fondly remembered for his humor, generosity and integrity. An avid boater, he also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He had a lifelong affinity for Kennebunkport, ME where he also resided, as well as Boca Grande, FL. Mr. Dowling is survived by his wife of 55 years, Denise Ganther Dowling, of Old Lyme; son Christopher of Litchfield, CT; two daughters, Lauren Dowling of Cos Cob, CT, and Denise Dowling of Providence, RI; his grandson Peter; his brothers Roddy of Atlanta, GA and Bob of Kennebunkport, MA; and eight nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call on Thursday August 16th from 4-7 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook, CT. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday August 17th at 10 a.m. in Christ the King Church 1 McCurdy Rd. Old Lyme. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers a donation maybe made to: Hour Children 36-11 12th Street Long Island City, NY 11106
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Dowling
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JC Coleman
September 9, 2018
Mr Dowling was a great friend and client of my father, who spoke so affectionately of the man that I knew he must be special. When I finally met Mr Dowling myself, he fulfilled every expectation. Kind, humorous, engaging, smart and loyal,
he was a man I greatly admired. My condolences to his family; you are fortunate to have known such a wonderful man. I will miss him.
Jay Abbott
August 26, 2018
I was saddened for the Dowling family when I heard the news yesterday of Peter's death. I wanted you to know that Pete's smile, his generosity, and his friendship meant a lot to me. I have great fond memories of many adventures with him including: hunting at Mashomack and Lido's, fishing in Maine for blues, Sharks and tuna, dining with the McCarthys , Donahues, Mike Dunn Mrs Milde; turkey hunting with Mike; Celtic basketball game; races at Saratoga. All of these activities filled with fun, Pete's engaging smile, and a lot of laughter. He will always remain a charter member of a,now quasi- famous, Litchfield hunting club. With any luck, Pete, at this moment, is hunting pheasants with his old pal, Snipe. Jay
Barbara Cain
August 15, 2018
Pete was a dear, generous, kind man. He will be greatly missed. Doing business with Pete, who I met through my brother, was like my brother taking care of me. His kindness will be long remembered.
Mary Ann Cassidy
August 15, 2018
Pete was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word. I bought a 2010 Red Ford Fusion from him, even though I did not think I was a "red car" person. He told me I would love that car and he was right- I have never loved a car more! Thanks, Pete. Ever since that day I have said a prayer for Pete and Howie. There's no doubt he's enjoying a top-of-the line, Premium reward in heaven. He talked often of his grandson. Condolences to his family -
Hilda MacKenzie
August 14, 2018
Worked for Pete for several years at
Dowling Ford.Enjoyed his sense of humor and many conversations about the stock market..he was an interesting guy..My condolences to his family.
michael dailey
August 11, 2018
He was what everyone aspires to be. A leading member of the "salt of the earth club." He was a particularly kind, generous, humble, loyal friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered as simply "the best."
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