WEBSTER – Walter P. “Doug” Dowgiewicz, 81, formerly of Golden Heights, died Saturday, February 18, in Hubbard Regional Hospital after being stricken ill. His wife of 18 years, Anna E. (Donovan) Matteau Dowgiewicz, died in 1985.
He leaves a stepson, William C. Matteau of Thompson, CT; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and his wife Shirley Dowgiewicz, and Henry and his wife Gladys Dowgiewicz, all of Webster; 3 stepgrandchildren, Paul and Jeffrey Matteau and Diane Odorski; nephews and nieces.
He was born in Webster, son of Paul M. and Helen B. (Lenkiewicz) Dowgiewicz, and was a lifelong resident. He attended Bartlett High School until entering the US Navy at age 17, and was awarded his high school diploma by Bartlett last year.
He served in the Navy as a ship’s cook first class from 1942 to 1946.
Mr. Dowgiewicz first worked for Shields Construction Company. He was then a cook at various local restaurants, including the Colonial Grille on South Main Street. He was a pressman for the Webster Times. He worked for 10 years at Cranston Print Works Company, retiring in 1989.
He was a member of Saint Joseph Basilica, a life member of the Webster Lodge of Elks #1466, and a member of the Webster-Dudley American Legion Post #184. He volunteered as a cook for many years at the former Shared Blessings Kitchen.
The funeral, with military honors, will be held Wednesday, February 22, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Calling hours are from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, February 21, in the funeral home. The family suggests donations be made to Saint Joseph School Immediate Needs Fund, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570.