WEBSTER- Edward W. Dowgiewicz, 89, of Webster, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in Oakwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Shirley M. (LePine) Dowgiewicz; 2 sons, Richard E. Dowgiewicz and his wife Diane of Bennington, VT and Webster Selectman Mark G. Dowgiewicz and his companion Nancie Zecco of Webster; 4 grandchildren, Matthew, Maria, Jeffrey and Ashley Dowgiewicz; 1 great grandson, Rhory Ramos, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a son, Edward Dowgiewicz II in 1988, and by his 3 brothers, Edward, Henry and Walter “Bob” Dowgiewicz.
He was born in Webster, a son of Paul M. and Helen B. (Lenkiewicz) Dowgiewicz and was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1942, where he played on the varsity football team. He attended the University of Miami and graduated from Springfield (MA) College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded a bronze star and the Purple Heart.
Mr. Dowgiewicz worked for the Department of Employment Security for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 38 years, first in Southbridge, then in Webster, and then as manager of the Worcester office, retiring in 1991.
He was a lifelong member of Saint Joseph Basilica. He belonged to the Polish American Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Purple Heart Association. He was a life member of the Auburn Webster Lodge of Elks #2118. He was an elected member of the Webster Housing Authority, serving for 23 years. He participated in the first Charter Committee of the Town of Webster and was a member of the Webster Democratic Committee. He enjoyed sports and spending time with his grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Monday, March 19, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb St., Burial will be in St. Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will perform the military honors at the cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday, March 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to the Friends of St. Joseph School Fund, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 0l570.