WESTFIELD – Stephen Earl Dowd, 66, passed away on Thursday, June 22nd, 2023 in his home surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born on March 9th, 1957 in Newport RI to the late Earl and Virginia (Gardiner) Dowd and grew up in Westfield. He proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for 13 years retiring as a Boatswain’s Mate First Class. He was stationed in Boston MA for security, Shinnecock in Long Island NY for search and rescue, and Springfield MA for recruiting where he was awarded “Recruiter of the year” 1984-1985. Upon his retirement from the U.S.C.G., he worked for Career Point in Holyoke where he assisted veterans in finding employment. In 1998 he was awarded “Outstanding Service to MA Veterans” by The American Legion. Mr. Dowd enjoyed spending time on the water canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and boating. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, hiking in the woods, skiing in the winters, visiting National Parks, and spending time with his loving family and friends.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 43 years, Kathy Jean (Fisher) Dowd of Westfield and his only child, Stephen Earl Dowd and his wife Gina of Westfield, his sister Pamela Zebrowski and husband Jerry of Chester, his sister Lesley Dowd of Chicopee, his brother-in-law Bob Lidestri of Michigan, and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William Dowd of Michigan.
The funeral ceremony with military honors will take place on Thursday, June 29th at 3 p.m. at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. There will be no calling hours. The Firtion-Adams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Coast Guard 36500 lifeboat house project, c/o Orleans Historic Society, P.O. Box 353, Orleans, MA 02653 or www.orleanshistoricalsociety.org/donate. Firtionadams.com
