1942
2020
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RICHARD DESAUTELL
April 26, 2020
Dear Mary-Ann,
So sorry for your loss. John was a great guy , when we would meet he always had a great story.
It was an honor to have known John.
May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Dick&Betty Desautell
Dick Desautell /April 25,2020
david nolan
April 9, 2020
MaryAnn, and family..we extend our sincere condolences. So many fine memories, times shared at BHS events...a gentleman, fine Officer, and great role model to many. You are all in our thoughts. Sincerely, Dave & Debbie Nolan
JoAnie & Al Rodrigues
April 7, 2020
To a Great man that was a person we were proud to call a good friend. You will greatly be missed and we shall meet again. May you Rest in Peace.
Beth Tracy FitzGerald
April 6, 2020
I am sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend to all of us at 28 Frothingham Rd. The obituary was lovely. I am sure he was so proud of his family and will be greatly missed by all.
Nw his job is watch over and take care of you.
April 6, 2020
Dear Mary Ann and boys,
Our hearts go out to all of you on your loss. John was one of a kind and a most respected gentleman. We will never forget all the kindness he always showed to our family when we shared the old neighborhood. One of our favorite family stories occurred when we moved into Frothingham Road house as a new blended family, John Arnold Dowd was out walking and met a new neighborhood boy. Imagine his surprise when he asked the boy's name and the little boy looked up and said John Dowd. So now on the same block were living two father/ son teams of John Dowds.
As years went by and parents aged, John was always there willing to help in any way needed. We always appreciated his kindness.
We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time. May your faith and your wonderful memories help you during this difficult time.
Randy Chavoor Ret DC WFD
April 5, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a class act and a true gentleman. He always had a smile when we would see each other. Rest In Peace John
Deborah Duval (Turpin)
April 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I worked with your dad for many years at Denny's. He was a wonderful man. I enjoyed waffles with him after the weekend bar rush was over. Those were some of my best memories at Denny's
Tony PERNA
April 5, 2020
Condolences to the Dowd family. John WAS Community Policing before it became a concept.
I first met with John when I was about 18 when he came my home officially. He impressed me and he was a factor in my joining the force
God Bless and rest in peace, brother.
Tony Perna
Pamela Fleming
April 4, 2020
As a former ER nurse working the 11-7 shift at Memorial (only 2 RN's) assigned to that shift. John was our guardian angel always watching over us. May God Bless and look after him.
Debbie Fedele formerly (Campbell)
April 4, 2020
Maryann and sons, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. He was a great man. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Monica Labrado
April 2, 2020
Mr. Dowd was a kind-hearted man whom I considered a pillar of strength and love. He told the best jokes. I'm going to miss seeing him, his wife and Duchess, basking in the sun. My deepest condolences to the Dowd family. It was an honor to have known him.
Donald Cummings
April 1, 2020
To the Dowd family. My deepest sympathy. John truly was one of a kind. He was The Department's John Wayne. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Kathleen Hair
March 31, 2020
John was a gentleman as were his sons, some of whom I was privileged to teach. I shared with each class the poem about Len Bias that Mrs. Dowd gave me which I think Dan wrote. I always admired the family's strong values and faith. May your faith Sustain you now. Mrs. KATHLEEN (Riley) Hair
Milie Plaza
March 31, 2020
He helped me back in the late 70s with such understanding and kindness, I am deeply sorrowed for his family, he was an exceptional Police Officer and friend to everyone. My deepest condolences.
Jim and Wendy Diamantopoulos
March 31, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to Maryann, their sons, and the entire Dowd family. John was a great cop, husband, father and even better man. We were privileged to have known him and his most treasured family. Our Burncoat HS hoop teams were fortunate to have the Dowd boys playing for me during our very successful teams. The boys were an integral part of our teams and our success. John was always there to help or support me and our program. I have wonderful memories of him at the Burncoat gym in uniform cheering for us. I also remember John driving the family van with a load of kids from Burncoat to my basketball camp in Northboro every summer. John and Maryann exemplified values for their family which were contagious to the entire Worcester community.
John will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, but will never be forgotten. God Bless.
Joseph D'Andrea
March 30, 2020
My sincere condolences to the entire Dowd Family. John was liked and respected by all who knew him. He will surely be missed. RIP, John. Sincerely, Joe D'Andrea
Miguel Llopiz
March 30, 2020
Mr. Dowd was a great gentleman. I remember having great discussions with him and will forever be grateful for his counsel. I wish his family peace and condolences, as I am sure he will be missed and remembered by many fortunate folks who crossed his path.
Darin Haig
March 30, 2020
To the Dowd family, I am very sorry for your loss. I was fortunate enough to know the Dowd family while living on Lincoln St. and Mr. Dowd as a local officer. I wish you all peace during this time and I hope your memories of him can provide you solace. Prayers from the Haig Family
Roy Ferreira
March 30, 2020
So sorry to hear about your dad. I had the pleasure of meeting your dad when I officiated at Burncoat H.S. and he would be on duty. He was so friendly, easy to talk to and always had a smile. As his children you must be proud as he left a great legacy. I was saddened to hear of his passing, but glad to have met him. I'm thinking of all of you at this time. I will say a prayer for your dad.
Francis J. Casey
March 30, 2020
To the Dowd family..
I knew John from the years I worked on the Worcester Police Department. They always use to say the 3 three things that made a good policeman were common sense, compassion and a sense of humor. John had all three in abundance. He was a good policeman and an even better family man and sometimes those were not easy things to do together.
I thought the world of him and am saddened that he left his mark on the world too soon.
May his sons carry on the amazing traditions that he exemplified.
I wish God's blessings upon him and eternal rest.
Francis J. Casey
WPD (1971-1978)
Robert Macaruso
March 29, 2020
He was my best friend growing up and best PO on the beat were I grow up in City of Worcester going miss him may he Rest In Peace
Cathie Shugrue
March 29, 2020
So very sorry to hear of officer DowdS passing. He will be truly missed by all. He was a great man and caring of all. Thank you to the family for sharing your wonderful father with the citizen s of worcester
March 29, 2020
To the dowd family sory for your loss. John and I were friends for many years and coworkers for over 30 years. Matt Tuccio. Wells, ME.
konstantina & James Lukes
March 29, 2020
Our family was saddened to learn of John's passing and we extend our sincerest sympathy to the Dowd family.
John left a proud legacy in his professional accomplishments and especially with his family. Jim and Konnie Lukes
Mary and John Cronin
March 28, 2020
To Billy and Family, our condolences and love to you all. Your Dad was one of a kind. I'm sure with your big family he had a beautiful service. Hope we can see you soon, Mary and John Cronin.
Brenda Berry
March 28, 2020
My Thoughts and prayers are with the Dowd family at this time sending prayers your way
Michael Prosser
March 28, 2020
My sincere sympathy to the Dowd family. John was an exceptional man who raised a fine family. May God bring your family peace and comfort in this time of loss.
Kathie Murphy
March 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr Dowd was a great guy & will be missed by all that knew him.
Patricia Pastner
March 27, 2020
John was an example of a fine human being. He was always kind, considerate and caring to everyone. He and Maryann were devoted to each other and were exemplary parents to all their children. They guided their children with love and example. John left a deep footprint on this earth and his legacy is his outstanding children.
Kevin Brady
March 27, 2020
John may you rest in peace you were a class guy.
Lenny & Julie Ciuffredo
March 27, 2020
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Dowd Family during this sad time. John was our route officer when we were growing up on St. Ann's Hill. John let us be kids but always made us "tow-the-line", He had high expectations of us all and we were blessed to have had him watch over us. May he rest in peace.
Joanne Dunphy Baudin
March 27, 2020
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad/husband. He was such a nice man! I have memories of him when we played on Oran St. and seeing him on duty at Denny's. Prayers for you during this difficult time.
Carolyn Breault
March 27, 2020
I remember working with John when I worked at Regatta Point. I have very happy and fond memories of him. So sorry for your loss.
Charles & Doris Brace
March 27, 2020
To The Dowd Family
Our deepest condolences. John was more than a police officer but a 'true' mentor and gentle soul, as a rookie cop I learned so much from him. The advice he gave me was sound and everyone that knew him had a kind word for him. His dedication to the profession was only surpassed by his love and dedication to his family which we all saw first hand. I thank God for having know him.... Rest easy my friend
Colleen Hyson-Bovick
March 27, 2020
"Dowd Family", So sorry for your loss. A very dedicated police officer. John trained my husband back in 1977 when he first went on the police force. My husband Warren admired John very much.
john & Maryfran Coakley
March 27, 2020
MaryAnn & Family
Our deepest condolences. Mary Fran has lots great classmate( grades1-12) and we have lost a very good friend and patient.
John & MaryFran Coakley
Julie Taka
March 27, 2020
I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. As as kid, he was one of the many things I loved about coming to visit my Aunt Marge in Worcester. He visits to Village Pizza fill many of my childhood memories. A big man, but a soft, gentle heart. He will be greatly missed.
Love to you all,
Julie Taka
Di Carroll
March 27, 2020
John and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing.
Sending my deepest condolences.
mike bombard
March 27, 2020
Dowd Family, sorry for your loss, John Was A Friend to all a mentor to some , and just a great person, we all should walk the path he took, he surely will be missed.
Giulio Fusaro
March 27, 2020
If I had to put a face on the efficacy of municipal policing, it would be John Dowd's. He served his public with courage and compassion, driven by a desire to always do the right thing. And, the people loved him for it!
The only solace I have to soothe the sadness of John's passing is the legacy he left us in welcoming his sons to serve in his footsteps. That itself, is a lasting tribute to a job well done.
Giulio Fusaro
Sutton, Massachusetts
March 27, 2020
So sorry to hear of John's passing.
Sending prayers and good thoughts to you all at this difficult time,
Fran Incutto
Bob Larson
March 27, 2020
To the dowd family, so sorry to hear of dads passing always looked forward to see him on details or in passing always made for a good day The city of Worcester and the world is a much better place because of John Dowd RIP
David Aubin
March 27, 2020
Rip big Johnny u were a good man to so many even the ones that made mistakes you were my true friend and I'm proud to say u my friend watch over us all and til we meet again ride with the angel❤
Bill Rand
March 27, 2020
Living on Shirley Street as a 5 year old I had a guardian angel named John. I never forgot him. If a man is measured by his concern and deeds for others, John stands above all.
Anthony & Kelly Petrone
March 27, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Dowd family. John was larger then life to so many people. As a young teenager John patrolled Shrewsbury St. It was there we realized a couple things real fast. 1,if you didn't get home when you were told to be home, he would make sure he brought you home and you didn't want that. 2, If you thought you could out run him, you realized that was another mistake you wouldn't make twice. John was such a warm caring person who was a mentor to me before and while I joined WPD. May he Rest In Peace, where we know we all will be united one day.
William Bilotta
March 26, 2020
Your father / husband was truly an extraordinary man and was admired by everyone who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person and dear friend.
Major William P. Bilotta Jr.
Massachusetts Environmental Police, Retired
Annie Pickett
March 26, 2020
Thoughts and prayers. Great working with you. Rest In Peace my friend. Annie pickett EMS,Fire
Paul & Laurie Markiewicz
March 26, 2020
A true gentleman and great role model, as evidenced through his boys. May he Rest In Peace.
March 26, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Dowd family. I remember how proud he was of his his boys. He was a true gentleman to everyone. He made friends to everyone. He will be remembered not only to many people but honored to be a recipient of the WATER CARRIER AWARD, posted in the WPD Lobby. RIP JOHN
Hank Leone
Betty McGee Persechin
March 26, 2020
Gone from our sight but not to be forgotten. John was a treasured friend is and excellent cop. His personality revealed a wise and gentle spirit even in the midst of a difficult job. He was proud of his family, who now has some pretty big shoes to fill. I join my prayers with you as you grieve this loss of the man who was bigger than any one could measure.
Betty McGee ,Persechino, former Policewoman, Investigator
Cocoa Beach, FLorida
Bill Trotta
March 26, 2020
MaryAnn and the boys. Please accept my deepest condolences. It was my honor and privilege to serve with John on the WPD. We first served as Hostage Negotiators. We then had a wonderful 18 year run working security at the Burncoat basketball games. John not only mentored his sons whom he was so very proud of but also many of the children we encountered all those years. John was an old school cop, whether he was patrolling on the footbeat or patrolling in the car. He had the ability to reach out to people. He was a great example for his sons and other police officers he served with. He will be missed by so many people that he touched in his long career. Rest in peace Brother. Bill Trotta
Richard Trainor
March 26, 2020
Dear MaryAnn, Dowd Sons, Mary and Joe, Betty and Harry, Bernie and all the inlaws and grandchildren, What happy memories I have of Police Officer John Dowd from Saint Bernard's parish days . He was always so friendly , affirming and Faith filled. A Sterling gentleman in every way. My sympathy to each of you. He had his Lent , may he now have an early Easter. In Christ, Father Trainor
Eileen Jundzil
March 26, 2020
Memories of John in my Dad's workshop/garage back on Franconia St.Lots of laughs, great stories, and, of course, the teasing. You've left behind a remarkable record of service to the city, which will continue on with your sons. Rest in peace, former neighbor.
March 26, 2020
A great guy and a great policeman truly will be missed all our prayers go out to the Dowd Family. Paul and Noreen Early
Angel Rosario Sr.
March 26, 2020
My condolences to the Dowd family. John was a great human being, who will always be in though.
Anne & Brian Tangney
March 26, 2020
Kevin, Billy and the whole Dowd clan. Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Quinn
March 26, 2020
To the Dowd Family: I am so sorry for your loss. John was a true gentleman and a role model who helped countless people over the years. Rest In Peace John.
Donna Jessop reynolds
March 26, 2020
Down family so sorry for your loss. John was a great guy. He was always there for me in hard times and good he was and is the greatest guy I have ever met. Rest In Peace
Paul Kenary
March 26, 2020
So sorry for your loss knew. John well as. we sometimes met to swap stories about word.pd and Shrewsbury.A fine man.
Cathy (Hughes) Largesse
March 26, 2020
Mary, Betty and Bernie--so many memories come rushing back: Main South; St. Peter's CYC; Pro Deo; dances at Mount Carmel. In all of these activities there was a tall guy with the perpetual smile. Life has many twists and turns but the tall guy with the smile certainly did his best to make this world a better place. Rest in peace, good and gentle servant--your work on earth is done.
Mary McGrail
March 26, 2020
MaryAnn and Family,
John always had a warm smile whenever I saw him. I enjoyed our conversations. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He'll be missed.
Suzie Tavano
March 26, 2020
I was so sorry to read of John's passing. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children and family.
We lived in the neighborhood he was assigned to many years ago. The words written about him are right on point, he was a professional, a compassionate man, a great role model for the neighborhood kids and a good family man. He will be missed by many. May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
Ed Gardella
March 26, 2020
It was a true pleasure to see John and to serve with him. He was an outstanding police officer and an even better man. His sons are wonderful examples of the love and character of John and Mary Ann. My sincere condolences to his family. We all share in your loss.
Natalie Pastore
March 26, 2020
So Sorry to hear of your loss, Maryann. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
March 26, 2020
My sincere condolences on the passing of a truly good man. May John rest in peace.
Becker Police Dept.
March 26, 2020
Dowd Family,
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dowd family during this difficult time.
Noura Haraz
March 25, 2020
May your soul rest in eternal peace.
Rocky Santos
March 25, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. John was a good friend and he always looked out for me. He was a great man and I will miss him. God bless you all.
G Erickson
March 25, 2020
RIP I'll never forget the happy things you done for my family
Chris Fakad
March 25, 2020
I will always remember John with pride and respect. He exemplified what it means to be a husband, father and community figure. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, may they cherish his memory as I do.
Skip Carroll
March 25, 2020
Condolence to the Dowd family
Therese Ratliff
March 25, 2020
Prayers and sincere condolences to the entire Dowd family at this time of loss.
Tom Belezarian (WPD Rer)
March 25, 2020
Dowd Family: so sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together over 25 hrs. A great and great Police Officer. Proud to call him friend.
Mike and Rhonda Karlon
March 25, 2020
We are so very sorry to hear of John's passing! He was always such a gentleman and it was a pleasure working with him and his sons! May he RIP! Love, Rhonda and Mike Karlon
Shari Daley-Watson
March 25, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Officer Dowd patrolled Bellhill/Bell pond when I was a teenager. He was a patrolman that we could all talk with, he engaged us in conversation and explained in normal conversation that we were to loud, bothering the adults where we hung out. When he would pull up to our corner hangout, my boyfriend, now husband, would say it's Officer Dowd let's go say "Hi". Officers could learn so much from him. If his son's are half the cop he was, then Worcester is one lucky city. This man is in definitely in Heaven
Allison and Mike Mastrorio
March 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss
Suzanne Vantre
March 25, 2020
Kevin, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You always spoke so highly of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brendan Pickett
March 25, 2020
A great man and public servant, he did right by his family and community. Always took time out for others, proud to have known him.
Neil Donahue
March 25, 2020
Blessed are the Peacemakers, and you John were the Leader of the pack. God Bless you for all you did to make Worcester the Heart of the Commonwealth. Neil H Donahue Surprise Az
Barbara OBrien
March 25, 2020
I am so heartbroken for all of you. John was a wonderful, kind and a very thoughtful gentleman. Barbara OBrien
Elsa Amoros-Rozboril
March 25, 2020
MaryAnn and family, John is someone that our family loved will never forget. He was a great friend to my mom, dad and all nine of us. I loved it when I walked into my parents house and saw him sitting at the kitchen table (on break during his detail job) drinking coffee and eating his favorite Dansk butter cookies. It was through him that I met you and your boys, who are now handsome,respectful, highly educated and handsome young men. You and the boys were his pride and joy. There wasn't a moment in conversation that you or the boys weren't mentioned. He and my dad shared a bond that centered around God and family, and that is what I will I will forever hold in my heart. My love and prayers for all of you at this time and always!
Linda Turnquist Noonan
March 25, 2020
My deepest sympathy to a wonderful man. God Bless his wife and family, Rest In Peace John
Flo Lucci
March 25, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Maryann and the entire Dowd family. Your father built and left a beautiful legacy in all of you. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤My father had so respect for your Dad and my Dad was a tough sell. As time goes on and you heal from his illness and passing, you will realize he taught you everything you needed to know to get through this terrible loss. He is with you constantly in your hearts forever. Take care.
Gina Tinari Boisse
March 25, 2020
What a great man, and a great legacy. John, Tom, and all your whole family, your dad is in my prayers
Mark O'Dougherty
March 25, 2020
I am so sorry for such a great loss to the Dowd family.
Walter Pinkham
March 25, 2020
we where police officers together for five years until I switch to the FD what we all remember about John was he like everyone
Wendy Byfield
March 25, 2020
I grew up in Plumley Village and he was such a good police officer to everyone alway had good conversations with the young. He was a friend. As a Adult I would run into him and he still was easy to talk too. My his soul rest in heaven. Worcester lost a Gem.
Joe Courtney
March 25, 2020
Sorry to hear of the passing of John Dowd. Even sorrier that the current situation prevents us from giving our proper respects. Rest well sir.
Fernando Escobar
March 25, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, deepest condolences. I only remember Officer John as a kid, was very well known when he patrolled on foot. He always said hello and gave the kids a lot of attention. He was well liked but most of all respected.
Brian Welch
March 26, 2020
To the Dowd Family; please accept my families deepest condolences and know that you will be in our collective thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Warmest regards,
ann/don oberg
March 26, 2020
to the dowd family we are all very sorry to hear of your dadhe was and is the best
Cheryl Erickson/Elia
March 26, 2020
So so sorry for your loss johnny was our neighborhood police officer up the "normal " when we were kid s he would always make us laugh he was a great guy and always made us feel safe no matter what we did he knew we were going to do the biggest and best bon fires on the 4th every year he always made sure we did them safely things were different back then i will always remember that face with that big smile he always had rest in peace Officer Johnny Dowd
Ron LaPointe
March 26, 2020
The world is a better place for having John. He was a true gentleman and an example for all to follow.
Rest in Peace.
Tim & Mary Sheehan
March 26, 2020
Mike and family
Our sympathy at the passing of your Dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
George Redmond
March 26, 2020
Dear Betty and Dowd Family,
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I played a lot of basketball with John and he was our CYC basketball coach at St. Peter's. More importantly, he was a great guy. In fact, John was truly a gentleman.
Respectfully,
Spike Redmond
Lee Dykas
March 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Dowd family. I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to know John. I learned many things from John over the years. He had a way to touch your sole. Most importantly I believe I am a better person, husband and father because of John. I will Miss you dearly my friend.
Dan George
March 26, 2020
To the Dowd family; my condolences in regard to the passing of your father he was always gentleman and mentor to many of us..,
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