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John McDowell Obituary
WEST VALLEY - John L. McDowell, of West Valley, passed away Sunday (May 21, 2023) in his residence, at the age of 91.
He was born Aug. 11, 1931, in Buffalo, a son of the late James and Tecora Pope McDowell.
He was a fair housing specialist for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Buffalo. Post retirement, he worked at Wegman's in Buffalo in the meat department.
He enjoyed fishing and golfing, and was an overall fan of all sports, especially the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, he was a member of St. John's the Baptist Church in West Valley, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1956-1958.
He is survived by his wife, Elise (Cerabone) McDowell, whom he married Aug. 28, 1993 in Buffalo. He is also survived by his children, Donald Draine of Buffalo, Geoffrey (Yaritza) Draine of West Valley and Dalena Nguyen of Buffalo; sister, Naomi McDowell Byrd of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Isabella Draine-Soto, Daniel Pham-Nguyen and Cynthia Pham-Nguyen; brothers-in-law, Michael (Rose) Cerabone of Angola and Dennis Hauri of West Valley; sister-in-law, Valerie Cerabone Perez of Houston, Texas; many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces great-nephews; and friends
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Alberta McDowell Harrison, Elizabeth McDowell, James (Mack) McDowell, Lawrence McDowell, Florence McDowell, Bernard McDowell, Sylvester McDowell, Teresa McDowell and Katie McDowell.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (May 25, 2023) at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Final interment will take place in St. John's Cemetery in West Valley.
Memorials may be made to Homecare and Hospice, 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760; or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at smithweismantelfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Memorial Events
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May
25
Calling hours
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home - Springville271 East Main Street, Springville, NY 14141-1419
May
25
Calling hours
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home - Springville271 East Main Street, Springville, NY 14141-1419
Funeral services provided by:
Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home - Springville271 East Main Street, Springville, NY 14141-1419
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