Joseph E. "Joe" Dowd Sr

May 14, 1926 - December 27, 2019

Joseph E. “Joe” Dowd Sr, 93, of Methuen, passed away on December 27, 2019 surrounded by his devoted family at the Nevins Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Joe was born on May 14, 1926 to his hardworking parents, William and Mary Dowd in Lowell, MA. Raised and educated in Methuen, graduating from Searles High School with the Class of 1944, he like so many of his generation proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served during WWII. After his discharge from the service, Joe worked for many years as a laborer in the paper mills of Lawrence until his retirement. A man who was no stranger to hard work, he at times, held three jobs to support his family. Joe had a heart of gold, loved to laugh, and always saw the positive side of life. He was the beloved patriarch of his family who enjoyed the many simple pleasures in life; from camping in the White Mountains, time in the great outdoors and spending countless enjoyful hours with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He touched many lives in many different circles and will fondly be loved, cherished and missed. Joe is also the beloved father to his four children; his son, Joseph Dowd Jr, and Thomas Dowd both of Arizona, his daughter Linda Ford and her husband Robert of Melrose, FL, and his daughter, Gail Arsenault and her husband Daniel of Salem, NH. He was the proud grandfather and great-grandfather to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his bride, Jeannette (Charest) Dowd with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage in December 2017. Joe was also predeceased by his seven siblings. Visitation for Joe will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 from 10 AM – 12 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St, Methuen. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend. A funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 130 N. Lowell St, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, pleased visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Dowd family.