dear mr and mrs dowd,lucy , billy and family ,

i had 4 years at taft with your great son that i am proud to call friend .for the next 35 years , he would always refer to me by a cherished football nickname ,"stomper ".i cherish the memories of his mom’s saturday pancake breakfasts at his home before i left for the grid iron and he for the soccer field .

we would always trade stories about all of our children’s exploits . i hope that i have not missed a watertown memorial . but if i did , i will send some favorite photos of denny .

words cannot express my deepest thoughts for your loss of such a terrific man .

andy grant

Lucy and family,

We were shocked to hear of Dennis’ passing. He was always a nice and friendly person to be around. We enjoyed his company in Florida with LDC Soccer girls. We know that he will be greatly missed by all that knew him and shared his company. Pease know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Jeff, Andrea, Abby & Tara Shipe

Dearest Lucy…we cannot begin to imagine the heaviness that is in your heart as you mourn the loss of your beloved soulmate Dennis. We have spent time this week reflecting on the two of you during your college days at Franklin and Marshall. We smiled when we compared notes about the two of you always denying that you were a couple and claiming that you were just friends! From that foundation obviously grew a great love, one that will be in your soul forever. Love and prayers to you and your children, always.

Ken and Judy Azarow

May your faith be your Rock in this your hour of greatest need. And as you look to the future, may you remember the good times of your lives together,as do I.

kenneth schields, Jr.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Dowd, Billy, Ellie, Tricia, Sarah and Dennis’ Wife Lucy and Children, I would like to extend, on behalf of the Krawchuk family of Watertown , our heartfelt prayers for your entire family during this time of great loss.

Dennis was a great energy and enthusiastic leader on "The Green" for all of his childhood and teenage years. I remember fondly summers where Dennis led all the neighborhood kids in fun & wholesome games and athletic play. I will remember him as kind and warmhearted! With our Deepest sympathies we wish you peace and grace at this time….
Elizabeth Krawchuk Coe and The Krawchuk Family

I had the privilege of working with Dennis for nearly 14 years. He was the first manager to travel with me in my Minneapolis territory. Dennis could brighten any room. He always had a smile on his face and a way to make you feel at ease. Dennis was one of the best, a great friend and someone I will truely miss working with at Armstrong. My sincere condolences.

Ed Bock

Lucy, Jenny, Katie, Tori and Billy,

Out thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Linda and I are truly saddened and will miss Dennis deeply. After starting at Armstrong 8 years ago, Dennis was traveling and I did not get a chance to meet him for a week after I started. Steve said when he comes back just let him know you grew up in Connecticut…that’s all it took, he never stopped telling me stories ever since that first meeting. Dennis spoke lovingly about his family all the time. I heard about all of the accomplishments-college, scouts, soccer, jobs. Dennis was a role model in how to take care of his family and friends. I miss him dearly.

Tim, Linda, Brendan, Sinclaire Schuetze

Dear Lucy and children,

Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. Our family remembers Dennis for his kindness, loving spirit and generosity of heart in all that he did for the youth of our community. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Love and prayers to you,

Aaron, Cherie and Elise Krause

We are shattered by the news of Coach’s passing. He was always a ray of sunshine on the sidelines at F&M soccer matches, Overlook swim meets, MT Soccer Club and MT basketball games and around the neighborhood. Our community has lost a great coach, mentor and friend. We are truly sorry to have lost him so early. I will miss our long chats.

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Woolley Family

Rare is an individual who blends, intelligence, integrity, respect, hard work, leadership…all with a sense of humor to take on the most difficult of business challanges. Dennis was just that man and his example made us all that work at Armstrong better business people. I have shared many successes with Dennis over the last two decades and was looking forward to more. To his family, please accept my family’s condolences and prayers in this difficult time. Dennis’ spirit lives on in the many lives he touched.

Steve Blake Family, Plainfield, IL

Dear Lucy and family, It was so many years ago that I had the pleasure to work with Dennis at the Regional Office in Saddle Brook, NJ. So many wonderful memories and as Dennis wouldn’t have it any other way so many fun times and lot’s of laughter and what a laugh he had, so contageous. It’s been so long Lucy since I’ve seen you and please know my heart is so sad for all of you. He will always be in our hearts and remember the love and hang onto the memories.

Much love

Judy Zanetti

I will remember Dennis as an energetic and positive colleague. He brought fun and passion to all his relationships. I admired the way he could connect with an audience and I often wished I had the public speaking skills that he had.

I remember the good times we had working within Carl Voelker’s office. Dennis always had a way of focusing on the positive. Always willing to help. With Dennis around it never seemed like work.

May Dennis’ family find comfort in knowing that Dennis was an influence to many providing a model to become a better, more effective person. He will be missed.

Lee Baggett
Dallas TX

Please accept my condolences and prayers.  It will be extremely different without him on the soccer fields.

Sincerely,

Tony Ngo

Lucy, Katie, Jen, Victoria and William:
I am so sorry to hear  about the  terrible loss of your husband and dad.  He was an incredible dad and I know you will all miss him terribly.  Please know that my prayers are with all of you. 

Coach Cindy Drob

I worked with Dennis for six years.  Everytime I saw Dennis he was smiling.  His energy and excitement was contagious.  He will be missed.
Marc Tompkins

We were so sad to hear the news that Dennis or "Denny" to everyone in our Watertown neighborhood had passed away. We most recently saw him at the Dowd/McGann Thanksgiving football game at Taft and he told us about all of his children and his life.  He was so proud of it all.  Our thoughts are with you Lucy and your children. 
The Gilbert family

I am shocked and dismayed to hear of Dennis’s passing. We were classmates at Taft and I remember him fondly. A tremendous athlete and a truly nice guy. I am so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis and I grew up together in Watertown. We went from elementary school through high school.  I reside in Newport, RI and read about his passing in the Town Times. It left me numb. I recently loss my husband of 26 years and really know what you are going through. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless.

Cindy Rodgers-Perry

Lucy and family,
I can’t tell you how sorry Karen and I were to learn of Dennis’ passing. You are all in our prayers and we will be thinking of you often. Dennis was (and is) one of the all time great people. He was so much fun to be around and to work with. Everyone will greatly miss him.

Rob and Karen Waite

This is Chris Costanzo. I am certain you have heard this many times over but feel so obligated to let you know how much Dennis meant to our family. Your father and husband was a gentle soul but tough when he needed to be. He was always fair and displayed courage with kids that was admirable.Dennis shared the gifts our lord gave him and I am certain is sharing a table with him. I can’t imagine the difficulty your beautiful family is going through. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

We are so sorry for the loss that your family, friends, and community have experienced. Thank you for honoring The Gray Center and the people we serve through designating us to receive memorial contributions. We are blessed to be a part of Mr. Dowd’s legacy.

Laurel Falvo, Executive Director, The Gray Center

Jenn-

I just wanted to say that I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I of course never met him, but one look at these notes and it isn’t hard to see that he was an amazing person that people loved and admired. I know there isn’t much one can say, but I’ll be thinking of you and your family during these hard times. 

Sincerely,
Ryan Brown

Dear Lucy,

Sue and I are so very sorry to learn of Dennis’s passing. Words can’t express how sorry we are. We didn’t have the opportunity to meet your children but in my time working with him at Armstrong I know how proud he was of them. You may not remember this but when Dennis and I were working in Philadelphia you and Dennis and Sue and I drove to a 105% meeting at Winter Green, VA. We played Trivial Pursuit in the car. You and Sue versus Dennis and me. You and Sue were ready to win but we picked the final question, sports. The question was who pitched a perfect game in the world series. You missed the question. The answer was Don Larsen of the Yankees. Dennis and I went on to win the game. Sue and I reminisce about that trip with good memories. I know you have many lasting memories with Dennis. We’re so sorry they ended so soon. I’ve retired and we are now living in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Sue and Lee Millin

Dear Lucy, Jenny, Katie, Tory, and Billy..Uncle Bill, Aunt Joan, Bill, Ellie, Sarah, and Tricia–and everyone who knew and loved Dennis,

I think I speak for everyone who gathered on Sunday and Monday in saying that Denny was an incredible man.  He was dearly loved for his gifts, and I am more convinced than ever that those gifts were partly God given but also born of a lot of self reflection and hard work.  He cared. He brought himself to where he was with a determination that was always covered with a smile and a positive story. He loved and was loved. His was truly a life well lived, and I intend to take some of those lessons and approaches deep in me.

For those of you outside the family who may not know this, we never saw Denny angry or focused on the negative.  I can’t think of a single time in all the years we spent together where he was judgmental of another. I wish I knew his secret for this, because as I reflect on losing Denny, I have this nagging feeling that I can make my short time here richer, happier, and more fulfilling by following his lead.

I miss Denny, but I will always think of him, carry a thousand happy memories of him, and of course pray for him.  In my own way, I’m going to keep him close in my heart, and I’m going to treasure the moment more, smile more, love my family and friends more, and be thankful for the blessings that life brings. Dennis is one of those blessings.

With love,
Fred McGaughan–Cousin, friend and "brother"

To the Dowd Family
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dennis. Thinking of you at this time.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
With love from Bill & Helen Muter, Carolanne (sister of Stuart Muter), Campbell & Jack Barkla. Australia

To the Dowd Family – What a shock it was to learn of Dennis’ passing upon our return from being out of town.  It was my pleasure to see your husband/dad play soccer and baseball during his years at Franklin and Marshall College.  He was always the ultimate sportsman and represented himself, his family and the institution at the highest level.  Following his graduation from F&M I followed his career from afar and took personal pride in what he accomplished.  It was only a couple of weeks ago that I spoke with Dennis at the F&M basketball tournament and he introduced his son with great pride.  Dennis touched many people during his life here on earth.  My wife Julie and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers as you move forward with your lives.

Will deepest sympathy – Bill Marshall, F&M Athletic Director Emeriti

Dear Dowds – We are so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of our Day Students days at Taft and the "long" walk to the house. It was always great catching up with Dennis during our all too rare and all too short times we have seen each other since graduation but it was always as if we had just seen each other a week before.He was always so proud of his family. You are all in our prayers.

Eric Albert

Southbury, CT

To the dear family of Dennis Dowd,

Dennis has been a part of my entire career at Armstrong; that booming voice, enthusiastic attitude and positive spirit that he brought to each sales meeting, each role he took in the company, every interaction I had with him, all of that echoes now in my memory of him. I am so sorry for your loss and I offer you my condolences. May God hold you in the palm of His hand as you go through this difficult time. Very Sincerely,
Liesl Morell (Armstrong, SF, CA)

Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Dennis was a wonderful father, husband and coach. We are grateful to have so many fond memories of his coaching the Blue Flames soccer team. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nancy and Tony Kurtz, Houston, Texas

Mr. and Mrs. Dowd, Billy, Dennis’ wife, sisters and children. I was shocked to read the news just now in the Waterbury Paper. I have fond memories of Co- Captaining a pretty darn good Oakville Legion team with "Dewey". I could still see him hitting bombs to center field half way up the sand bank at the Gallup Field in Bethlehem. My lasting image of him is him singing “Johnny Angel” during a legion game to the pitcher for Litchfield by that exact name. Of course I was up at bat and the kid drilled me in the ear. True Story. Denny was a great athlete and a good friend, those summers were some the best times of our lives. I am truly sorry for your loss,

Dan Ouellette
Watertown CT.

Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of Dennis. I will always remember him as the hard working and decent man that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with.  I knew Dennis through his work at Armstrong.  Dennis was a wonderful man.  At the Armstrong outings at Woodloch, he made everyone feel so welcome and at home.  He was a great representative of the Armstrong and of his family and will be sorely be missed.

Deepest sympathy,
Jerry, Rich and Jake Malishchak
Malishchak Brothers Const.

Lucy and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. I will never forget Dennis and the confidence he instilled upon me whenever we spoke and got together, especially our last meeting on Friday.  He was the best manager that I have ever had because he treated me with dignity and respect.  He was more of a friend and mentor than anything else.  I will miss him more and more with each passing day.
Take care. 
John Matuszek

We are so sorry for your loss.  You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, and we will be remembering the wonderful memories and stories that Jen has shared with us of her father through the years. 

All our love
Andrew & Sara Basinski

Lucy, I am so saddened and heartbroken for your loss.  Dennis was a real role model for me, whether on the soccer field or as my pledgemaster and great friend and brother at Phi Tau.  Dennis carried himself with strength and confidence, but it’s his dignity and grace that I’ll remember most.  It barely took a second for that big smile and infectious laugh to erupt – lighting up the room and the lives of all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. 

Dan Bostwick

Lucy, Jenny, Katie, Tori and Billy, 
Please accept our sincere condolences for your loss.  Dennis was such a lovely family man and so quick with a smile.  Please know that we are lifting each of you up in prayer and pray that your memories and God’s peace and love with help you through this difficult time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

A donation was made to the Gray Center in honor of Mr. Dowd.

With deepest sympathy,
The Guido Family

What a great guy. The few times I worked with Dennis, he taught me a lot: be positive and upbeat, bring energy to the task, know your stuff. Most importantly, enjoyed the stories and laughs.
I just saw Dennis at a F&M basketball game a few weeks ago. I’m glad I had ten minutes to visit with him.
Chas Kopp

Please accept my deepest condolences. Like many of the  brothers at Phi Kappa Tau, i have warm memories of Dennis and the integral part he played to an amazing experience at 605 college ave. I fondly remember "rushing" Dennis and his class of pledges who remain in my thoughts to this day.
Howard Rosner ’80

Lucy and family- I am just so terribly sad for your loss.  Dennis warmed a room when he entered- he was a leader and I know a wonderful family man.  He is already sorely missed in the Armstrong family.  I will keep you all in my prayers.
Diana Hart

We will always remember Dennis’ kind spirit and friendly smile.  Our many thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dowd family. 
Todd, Andrea, Margaret and Olivia Crowell

Dennis’s presence lit up any room he entered.  It was a pleasure to work with him, and always fun to be around him.  My memories of Dennis will always bring a smile to my face.

Mike Kirkpatrick

We in the Armstrong Family grieve the home going of  much more than an Associate we miss our friend Dennis.  To you his family, Dennis was Sweetheart Daddy, Brother and Son. Your grief can only be comforted by our prayers and the blessed hope of eternity.  An experience in my life allows me to share the 100% assurance to say that "It is well with Dennis’s Soul", Great for Dennis and Sad for us that we have to wait years for the great reunion.  Dennis resides with our lord and saviour there in his presence, rest in truth that you his family are in the loving hands of God.  May the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit dwell with each of you richly in this time.

For Dennis
vaya con Dios, Buddy!

Jamie Billings

Lucy and family: Please accept my most sincere condolences.  Like many of Dennis’ fraternity brothers, I am deeply saddened by his passing.  To us, he was a great brother … and I’m sure to all of you a far, far greater husband and father.  I am blessed to have known Dennis and will remember his wit, charm, and enthusiasm always.
Jeff Brumbaugh
PKT-F&M 1980

Dear Lucy and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.

Jack and Sue Wood and Family

I First meet Mr.Dowd years ago when Billy his son, joined my Cub scout troop. Every Thursday night, both Billy and Mr Dowd would come to our house and do various activities.I remember the time when we all, including My Dad and Mr. Dowd, were shooting off dog treats across the house learning about catapults. My mom then came home and sure enough Mr.Dowd was trying his catapult and hit my mom on the head. It was a good laugh for all of us including my mom.I remember the one morning I was at their house and he made us Belgium waffles and bacon I’ll never forget it because it was the best breakfast iv’e ever had. Overall, Mr. Dowd Was a caring, funny,loving and wonderful person. I will be praying For the Dowd Family as they face the next weeks of difficulty.

Tim Severson

Lucy and family,

Dennis was more than a coworker to me and I cannot express in words the sorrow and grief at his loss.

I know that my words may not help comfort you in this time- I know that in some way Dennis will always be with us. He touched so many lives and his positive enthusiam was more than contagious.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.

John & Kerry Kain

Lucy,and Children: My husband already wrote a note, but I could not stop myself from sending you my deepest condolences and to let you know that, even though, I did not get to know Dennis much, I will never forget him and the LIFE he always brought to ALL occasions, the laughter and the love for his family. The first time we became in contact was at scouts. Dennis with Billy & Dean with Tim. THE 2 Dads felt like the only 2 guys that had no idea what to do with the "Pine Wood Derby Cars".It was hysterical to see Dennis and Dean trying so HARD to glue this cars with glue and all kinds of stuff and every time they ran, the cars would fall apart again. Dennis and Dean would laugh and the poor boys kept getting upset, but it never stop him from coming to our home to the weekly weebelos meetings,to support Billy. We got to have so much fun that the Dads became friends and had just as much fun as the boys. We went bowling and I was the only female, with all the boys and Dads, I did not know who I had to keep out of trouble more the Dads or the boys, and the leader was Dennis. Always encouraging the boys, caring, sharing that great laugh and loving them all. Thanks for the memories Dennis. " May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.May the sun shine warm upon your face.May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand." May you find strength and peace in your faith and the love for each other and Dennis. Betty Severson

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Dowd, Billy, and the rest of your wonderful family, I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Denny. It is clear from reading the condolences written already that the Denny I remember as a teenager is the same that his friends and family knew as an adult. His smile and enthusiasn for life will be remembered forever. Please accept my condolences and I wish you strength and peace during this difficult time.

Warm regards,

Jane Buckley Kiley

Dennis,

all of our memories with you are great ones, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace.

Fondly,

The Ducey’s

Kevin, Pat, Elizabeth, Jacqueline and Courtney

Lucy, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Andrea Esposito

Our deepest condolences to the Dowd family. I remember Dennis when he came with Bill to our Webelos meetings. Dennis had as much fun as the kids making a mess making cookies and testing out the catapults we made by firing dog biscuits across the room. He truly was one in a million-
Love and sympathy,
Dean, Betty, Tim and Ian Severson

What a colorful, energetic, and positive person!  A terrible loss to those of us at Armstrong that emulate him.  I remember running into Dennis in an airport not long ago and thinking how nice it was to not only come into contact with someone I knew (as I was on the trip alone), but it was a bonus that it was him – even if only for the few minutes we waited for our flights.  Only positive and sympathetic thoughts are with you during this difficult time. 
Lyza Valenzo/Armstrong

It is with great sadness that I write this.  How can God take away someone who is so young yet and so much to offer?  Dennis was a wonderful man, coach, father and husband; he dedicated many hours to coaching his kids’ soccer teams.  We greatly enjoyed those years when our daughter played for Dennis.  It was so much fun.

May God bless you and keep you in his care now that Dennis is gone.  We will be praying for you.

Marge, Kevin, & Katie Fry

I will always remember how much Dennis believed in people. He was an advocate for others.  He gave of himself so that someone else might shine. I will treasure my time with Dennis, and try to internalize the lessons of life that he taught me without even knowing.  Godspeed Dear Dennis.  I pray for comfort and strength for your friends and family.  
Janice Bays, friend at Armstrong

I am so sorry for your loss. I have greatly admired your whole family since I first met you years ago  You are a strong family with a loving foundation, and your dad/husband will forever remain a huge part of who you are and how you live the rest of your lives. I pray that you use the strength and love that your dad/husband helped instill in you to get through this difficult time together.
Sincerely,
Chris Burrowes