Obituary of Robert Dowd

Robert M. "Bob" Dowd, 87, of Raleigh, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2012.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD at a later date.

A native of Baltimore, MD, Bob was the son of Philip Cullen Dowd and Eva Mary Shanley Dowd. He retired from IBM after 30 years of service and then lived in Florida before moving to Raleigh. Bob was a veteran of World War II serving in the Army Air Corps as a communications officer on the B-52 Bomber in the European Theater. He was an active member of the Elks Club, an avid music enthusiast and an accomplished organist and loved his organ club gatherings. He enjoyed staying active playing golf, traveling and spending time on his computer. Politics, the Stock Market and current events were always a part of his daily routine.

In addition to his parents and a sister, Bob was preceded in death four years ago by his beloved wife, Ava, and since then struggled to live as he truly lived his life through his wonderful wife.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Pat Herring and her husband Tony, Kathy Dowd; son, Glenn Dowd, all of Raleigh as well as his grandsons, Ben Herring and Joe Herring.

The family greatly appreciates all of the wonderful care, compassion and respect provided to Bob. A special "thank you" goes to all of the staff at the rosewood Health Center, Sunrise Assisted Living, Rex Healthcare and Hospice of Wake County.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or at www.hospiceofwake.org

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com