DOWD, Matthew D.--Of Dover, November 22, 2005, age 36, after a 4 year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Lou Gherig's Disease, while at sales at IBM. Beloved son of Dennis M. and Nancy Dowd. Devoted brother of Gregory Dowd and his wife Julie. Uncle of John Thomas and Ryan Matthew Dowd.
Graduated from Dover-Sherborn Regional High School in 1987 and was co-captain of the football and baseball teams. Matt was a member and advisor of the Dover Church Youth Group. Member of the Dover Fire Department as an EMT, and enjoyed amateur theater with the Dover Foundation, appearing in several musicals. Matt was an ardent fisherman from the lakes in Maine the Florida Keys and he was a great cook. Graduated with a BS in business and played baseball at North Adams State. After college, Matt played baseball in the Boston Park League several years for Hyde Park Sports. In September of 2005 Matt received the ALS Therapy Foundation Award. The award noted "Matt chose a difficult path developing a web site articulating his diagnosis stage, treatments he tried, and the equipment that raised his quality of living with the challenges of ALS." "Matt is a true inspiration and built a legacy that will continue to inspire those around him and those afflicted with ALS for years to come." "He chose not to go quietly into that good night."
"Matt's website(www.mattschallenge.com) is more than a simple personal story, it is a portal to educate and inform other PALS and their families."
A memorial service will be held at the Dover Church, 19 Springdale Ave., Dover, on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005 at 10:30 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Private interment in Highland Cemetery, Dover.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Matt's memory to ALS Therapy Development Foundation, 215 First St., Cambridge, MA 02142.