John Joseph Dowling III

2021 after a long-fought battle with an undiagnosed illness. He ultimately suffered a stroke in

which he was unable to recover.

He was born on June 28, 1958 in New York to John (Jay) and Joan E. Dowling. The family

moved to Florida in 1975. He graduated from Satellite Beach High School, Class of 1976 and

shortly after graduation he moved to Coral Springs.

In 1977, he joined the Coral Springs Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure, he severed as

a Lieutenant, a Captain at Station #3, a Deputy Chief, Dive Team Member, and as the Fire Chief

from 1984-1985. As a Former Chief of CSFD, he was also a Life Member of the Coral Springs

Volunteer Association.

In March of 1981, he began his tenure with the City of Tamarac Fire Department as a

Firefighter-EMT, Driver Engineer, and Fire Truck Mechanic. He severed for 30 years with the

Tamarac Fire Department before he retired in April of 2011.

A fourth-generation firefighter, John was instrumental in the early renovations of

the city’s fire trucks. John was a master mechanic and car enthusiast who could find a solution for most everything. John was also instrumental in the coordination the purchase of life-saving equipment for

our growing city.

Most recently, John assisted the city in planning the 50th

Anniversary of the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department.

John met Audrey in September of 1981 and were married in September of 1984. Soon after they

purchased a home and together, they raised her four children. John was a very supportive and

loving husband and father. What he valued most was his family and friends. He knew no stranger

and was always willing to lend a hand, tell a story or share a beer. The void he leaves cannot be

filled.

John is preceded in death by his wife Audrey E. Dowling (Driscoll), his mother Joan E.

Dowling, his brother James Dowling, and son Walter J. Bohacek Jr.

He will forever be cherished, loved, and missed in the lives of those he left behind.

He is survived by his father, John (Jay) Dowling Jr. Sisters, Joan Dowling (Alan DiStefano), Janice (Michael) Flanagan.

Children, Mark Bohacek, Denise (Robert) Bohacek Wittmann, Lisa (Norberto) Bohacek

Villordo, daughter-in-law, Sara (Walter Jr.) Bohacek Nameth.

Grandchildren, Kayla Bohacek, Mercedes Bohacek, Austin Bohacek, Rebecca-Jo Bohacek, Christian Bohacek-Nameth, Olivia Nameth, Robert Wittmann II, Leighanne Wittmann, Mark J. Bohacek, Audrianna Bohacek, Emma Bohacek.

Great-grandchildren, Luke Bohacek, Macy Bohacek, Giovanni Giuseppe (John Joseph) Bono.

Nephews and nieces, Jennifer Comstock, James Flanagan, Joseph Flanagan, Jessica DiStefano,

Erynn Flanagan, and Mathias Flanagan.

There was no limit to what John wouldn’t do for his family. He loved each and every one of

them until his very last breath and that love will continue even through death and eternity. John

will forever be missed and loved. He will always walk beside us even when we’re not aware and

he’ll look over us all as he always has.

Visitation: December 19, 2021

3-7PM (Fr. Ronald Perkins between 5-6 PM)

Kraeer Funeral Home

1655 N. University Drive,

Coral Spring, FL 33071

The Mass of Christian Burial: December 20, 2021

11:00 AM

Saint Andrew Catholic Church

9950 NW 29th Street

Coral Springs, FL 33065

**Please arrive at the church no later than 10:30 AM.