John Joseph Dowling

DOWLING, JOHN JOSEPH August 26, 1921 to Sept. 9, 2006 John Joseph Dowling passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on September 9, 2006 at the age of 85. He was born August 26, 1921 in Waterbury, CT to John and Hannah Dowling of County Kerry Ireland. John served twenty-four and a half years in the United States Navy, with tours of duty on the USS Walke, USS Detroit, USS General Anderson, USS Hamul and others. He provided service during WWII and Korea. In January of 1943, while stationed at his gun position on the USS Detroit, John was swept overboard by a huge wave into the Bering Sea. He thought that this was the end; his life would come to a close in the freezing waters. However, this was not to be. The USS Indianapolis was cruising in the Detroit's wake. They had picked up the Detroit's radio call for a sailor overboard. As the Indianapolis approached John, its seamen shouted for him to catch a line they threw. In spite of freezing fingers and rough sea, John was able to grab it and hold onto it as he was hauled toward the Indianapolis's hull. The relief and excitement for a successful save could only be matched by the humor of John's understated reply to their expression of concern. He said, "I'm okay!" just before collapsing in a faint on the deck. After retirement from active duty in the Navy, John joined the Naval Fleet Reserve and worked as a systems analyst at North Island Naval Base in Coronado. John was a founder and active member of St. Columba Parish in San Diego. He was a member of the men's club, seniors club, and operated the kitchen for many years during Bingo and Friday fish fry. John was also a member of the World War II Memorial Association in Washington, DC, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Post 3788, American Legion, The ARC of San Diego, Special Olympics of Southern California, and Seniors' Coffee Time at Tang and Chun's donut shop. John is preceded in death by sons, John Joseph and Michael Patrick. He is survived by wife Frances, children, Dolores (Brian McPherson), Patrick (Theresa), and Maureen; daughter-in-law Ann Sofi Dowling; grandchildren, Ylva (Karl Boske), Robin, Sheena, Briana, Colin Dowling, Erin Kipple and Jamie McPherson; great-grandchildren Klara and Fabian Boske. John summed up his philosophy on life in the following way, "I am not looking for riches or fame, but to live a simple life, to treat others well, to love and be loved." That he did, that he was. Though he has passed from our time, his loving and generous spirit is timeless and remains in our hearts. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 11:00 a.m., St. Columba Parish, 3327 Glencolum Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John Dowling to The ARC of San Diego, 9575 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123. Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com