Dr. Edward Bruce "Ed" Dowd

Mystic - To capture the life of Edward Bruce "Ed" Dowd in a series of snapshots, you would have to include images of a young track star, an academic standout, a U.S. Navy pilot, a Coast Guard captain, a dentist, a loving husband, a wonderful dad and a man earnestly engaged in his community, his hobbies, intellectual pursuits, books and his faith. Yet single glimpses into a life cannot entirely reveal one's character. Dr. Dowd, who died April 13, 2021, following injuries sustained after a fall at his home in Mystic, was always something more than the sum of his interests and accomplishments. Whether taking his four boys skiing or camping, whether serving as a docent at Mystic Seaport, whether designing something new in his woodworking shop or chatting with a friend at the gym or after church, Dr. Dowd always brought a calm and kind sense of warmth and good humor. His hugs and handshakes always came with that sparkle from his eyes, and you just knew he genuinely wanted to hear what you had to say. Dr. Dowd was 88.

"We'll miss him terribly, but more importantly, we will remember what an amazing man and fantastic father he was to us," said Mark Dowd, speaking on behalf of the four brothers. "He made life a beautiful adventure filled with love and encouragement. We never wanted for anything."

Born to Edward Francis Dowd and Florence Elma Dowd Nov. 21, 1932, in Queens, N.Y., a young Ed Dowd attended Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, where he excelled in academics and track and field. He went on to Fordham University on a track scholarship and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in philosophy.

After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Fla., graduating top in his class and becoming a pilot trainer. Around this time, he met the woman who would become his loving wife of 63 years, Ramona Anderson. Using the GI Bill, he attended Loyola University Dental School in New Orleans. La., while continuing his service in the Naval Reserves. After receiving his dental degree, Dr. Dowd continued to serve his country by joining the U.S. Public Health Service. His stations included a Sioux Reservation in Rosebud, S.D., a residency at New York University and stints at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Alaska and the Coast Guard Base in Boston, Mass. Dr. Dowd's final duty station was at the Coast Guard Academy in New London. When he retired, he opened a private dental practice in New London, serving his patients from 1981, until his retirement in 1997.

Over the course of his life and career, Dr. Dowd was active in the Catholic Church and many organizations including the Knights of Columbus and the American Dental Association. In recent years, Dr. Dowd and Ramona enjoyed volunteer work at the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and Dr. Dowd taught cribbage at local senior centers. An avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and all Boston sports teams, Dr. Dowd also loved UConn, especially the women's basketball team, rooting them on to many national championships.

In addition to his beloved wife, Dr. Dowd is survived by his sons, Edward Michael Dowd and his wife Elizabeth, Terrence Raymond Dowd, Mark Patrick Dowd and Christopher Eric Dowd and his wife Nancy; four grandchildren: Chelsea, Shauna, Brenton and Connor; and one great-grandchild, Henry.

A Mass celebrating Dr. Dowd's life, to be held at St. Patrick Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic, will be scheduled at a later date. His burial will be held privately with military honors. There are no calling hours. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Dr. Dowd's memory to St. Patrick's Building Fund, Mystic, or the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.