John E. Dowd

1935 – 2025

John E. Dowd died peacefully at home January 8th surrounded by his family. John was the son of Dennis and Mary Smiddy Dowd. He grew up in Holyoke, graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1953, and College of the Holy Cross in 1957. He was an educator and administrator for 35 years in the Chicopee School System, and is remembered by teachers and students for his gentle and friendly manner. Lifelong interest in golf began at the age of 10 years old at the Mount Tom Golf Course and continued at Holyoke Country Club, Springfield Country Club, and most recently at Saint Anne's. John prided himself in 6 hole-in-one's and a coveted double eagle at Springfield Country Club. John was a former member of the board of directors at Springfield Country Club and was a longtime course rater for the Massachusetts Golf Association. He was also an official for Western Massachusetts Basketball Association. As much as he was an active participant in sports, he was also a devoted spectator of the New York Yankees and Notre Dame Football. His love of learning meant that he was never far from the library with a few books in hand – history being his particular interest. It would be great to have him on your team if you were playing Trivial Pursuit. You would certainly be a winner! His sense of duty and commitment to others extended past his students to volunteering at the Valley Reading Service in Springfield (reading for the blind). John and his wife Julie loved to travel, having explored much of Europe. He and his family celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Rome, which was very special. He was a devout Catholic whose faith was central in how he lived in quiet goodness. Above all, family was the most important part of his life. Most afternoons at cocktail hour you could find John and Julie watching the birds in the garden reminiscing about their wonderful 65 years together. We were all lucky to be able to call him Father, Husband, and FRIEND! The world was a better place because of the way he lived his life. It was never about him. He is survived by his wife Julie, son John and partner Dan, daughter Kathleen and husband Chris. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Baystate Hospice and Dr. Richard Steingart for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Baystate Hospice or the library of your choice. Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Springfield, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial to be held at the convenience of the family. The West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home is handling all arrangements.