James J. Dowling, 89 years old, husband of the late Anne M.(Dulkie) Dowling who died in 2004, died Tuesday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Born in Lowell on May 12, 1920, he was a son of the late Patrick F. and Annie (Watterson) Dowling and received his education in the Lowell schools.
During World War II, Mr. Dowling served his country in the United States Navy. For thirty nine years, he was employed by the City of Lowell as a Fireman. Mr. Dowling received his permanent appointment to the department in 1947. He became a Lieutenant in the department in 1958 and achieved the rank of Captain in 1961. He retired from the department as a Captain in 1985. Mr. Dowling was a member of the Board of the Fireman’s Credit Union and the Retired Lowell Firefighters Association. In his younger days, Mr. Dowling was a Golden Glove Champion in the Heavy Weight Division and played Semi- Professional Football. He also was a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater Lowell. Mr. Dowling was a member of St. Michael’s Church where he was active in the Legion of Mary and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.
He is survived by his children, Joanne M. Kelleher of Lowell, James J. Dowling of Dracut, Paul F. Dowling and his wife Lee of Ashburnham, Nancy J. Daly of Lowell and Colleen Pierro-Bayard and her husband Henry of Andover; six grandchildren, Michael P. Dowling, Katie A. Daly, Jillian M. (Kelleher) Aburub, James J. Kelleher II, Frank M. Pierro III and Christina Pierro; a great grand daughter, Saarah M. Aburub; two sisters in law, Rose Dowling of Lowell and Pauline Dulkie of Lawrence, his caregivers, Fatumata Jaiteh and her family and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Dowling was the brother of the late John and Edward Dowling and father in law of the late James J. Kelleher, John C. Daly Jr. and Frank M. Pierro Jr.
DOWLING- Relatives and friends may call on Friday, Nov. 6 from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 pm at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 NESMITH ST,(Rte.38). His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Nov.7 at the Immaculate Conception Church at 10 AM followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Should friends desire, donations in his memory may be made to the V.N.A. of Greater Lowell, 336 Central St., Lowell, MA. 01852. Arrangements are by the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, LOWELL,MA.