John Francis Dowd

John Francis Dowd, 82 passed away on April 15th with his loving family by his side in Loveland Colorado. John was born in 1940 in Cortland New York, graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Le Moyne College, and obtained his Master of Science degree and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Degree from Syracuse University.

Dr. John Dowd dedicated his life to public education. He spoke fondly of his first teaching experiences in Jamesville Dewitt Central School in NY. As an elementary school teacher, he and his best high school friend, Robert Jubinville, spent summers teaching students to respect and enjoy the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks through sailing, hiking and camping. John’s passion for education led him into Vice Principal, Principal, Supervising Principal, and Superintendent of School positions across Upstate New York for over 25 years. After retiring in NY, Dr. Dowd spent 17 years teaching Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) students at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. His wife and he retired (again) and settled in Colorado.

John’s love of adventure continued throughout his life as he was a skilled camper, hunter, canoer, kayaker, and sailor in the summers and spent the winters cross country skiing across the Adirondacks and downhill skiing in the Colorado Rockies. John loved the theater and relished any opportunity to enjoy music and entertainment of all genres. His patient, thoughtful disposition, and mischievous sense of humor endeared him to everyone! He was best known for his sparkling blue eyes and warm smile. John was loved for his generosity, kindness, and humble nature. John’s last weeks involved coveting milkshakes, music, and laughs with family.

John was predeceased by his parents, James Francis and Alice Riley Dowd and his brother Thomas Dowd. He is survived by his wife Sondra (Sandy) Novogurski Dowd who lives in Fort Collins, CO and his sister-in-law Peggy Dowd of Collinsville, CT. John loved to spend time with his daughter Colleen Dowd of Nashville, TN and his daughter Erin Dowd who lives in Loveland, CO with her husband James (Jake) Thompson and their son, James Jack Thompson Dowd. John also lovingly grand parented Alison, Cassidy, and Brandon Thompson who reside in CO and SC respectively.

The Dowd family is appreciative of the Touching Hearts Care Providers, Canyon Hospice, Aspens, and Capstone at Centerra professionals who extended patience, respect, and love in their care for John during his final months.

Celebrations of John’s life will be held in his beloved Finger Lakes and Adirondack Mountains of New York State this summer.

Donations in John’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties at www.foundationhoc.org/johndowd for the Novogurski Family fund’s support of the local public school district.