Joseph Arthur Dowd

Joseph Arthur “Joe” Dowd, 78, of Springfield, formerly a longtime resident of East Longmeadow, died early Friday morning, November 29, 2019 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family at his side. He was born in Everett, MA and was a graduate of the Parochial School Matignon High, in North Cambridge, MA Class of 1959. Joe was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with the United States Army and was the recipient of numerous awards and citations earning his honorable discharge from active duty in November of 1965. He began a long career in the commercial printing business as a sales representative for several companies retiring in 2000 after more than forty five years in the industry. Joe was a longtime communicant of St. Patrick’s Church in Springfield, was an avid photographer, enjoyed watching a good movie or NASCAR race, had an eclectic ear for music, and immensely enjoyed summers at Hampton Beach. He is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 55 years, Josephine A. (Freitas) Dowd and leaves four loving children, Christopher J. Dowd and his wife Marybeth, and Jennifer P. Dutko and her husband Andrew both of East Longmeadow, Cheryl L. Dowd of Ellington, CT, and Julianne M. Donahue and her husband Dennis of Wilbraham; a sister, Patricia DeCoste of Kittery, ME; 10 grandchildren, Alyssa, Collin, Paige, Ashley, Siobhan, Eamon, Riordan, Caitlin, Mackenna and Braedon; his sister-in-law, Patricia Dowd of York, ME; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Besides his parents Joe was predeceased by his brother Thomas Dowd of York, ME. His funeral will be held on Saturday, December 7th beginning at 9:30 AM from the Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick’s Church, 1900 Allen St., both in Springfield. A private committal and military honors will take place at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday evening, December 6th from 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions in Joe’s name may be directed to Pedal Thru Youth, PO Box 691, Chicopee, MA 01021, contact@pedalthruyouth.org.