William A. Dowell, Jr.

CHARLTON-William A.  (Bill) Dowell, Jr., 98, passed away peacefully at The Overlook Masonic Health Center on January 3, 2022 with his daughter by his side. He was born in Providence, RI the son of the late William A. and Dorothy (Cutler) Dowell. He spent most of his childhood in Franconia, NH with his grandparents and graduated from Dow Academy. He attended two semesters at the University of New Hampshire before entering the United States Marine Corps in 1943, where he served the 3rd Marine Division at Guadalcanal and participated in the campaign for the capture of Guam in 1944. He was honorably discharged as Corporal in 1946.

Upon his return, Bill was hired by the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company where he worked in various capacities and locations over the length of his career, retiring from the West Boylston office as the New England Marketing Manager in 1983. Bill was an active member of the First Congregational Church in West Boylston for many years, as well as a Past Master of the Boylston Lodge (1977-78). In 1985, he and Marion moved to Beverly Hills, FL where they lived until returning to New England and The Overlook Community in 2016. They enjoyed 30 years in Florida engaging in many activities including local chorus and civic associations, the New England Club, Elks Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River. They also loved caring for their home and entertaining friends and family. He enjoyed many years of golf, playing cribbage and especially sharing stories from his life and career. Bill formed many close friendships and staying in contact with people near and far was always a priority for him.  He was a true gentleman and always kept a positive outlook on life.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 10 years, Betty (Goodwin) Dowell in 1971 and Marion (Fuller Campbell) Dowell who passed in 2019 after almost 45 years of marriage. He was also predeceased by his sister, Dorothea A. Dowell and brother, George H. Dowell and his wife, Beatrice. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Merrill and her husband, Richard, of Southbridge, two granddaughters, Katelyn Velez and her husband, Noel, of San Diego, CA and Jenna Herzog and her husband, Andrew, of Sturbridge. He also leaves his two beautiful great-granddaughters, Brooklynn and Teagan Herzog, whom he adored; and was looking forward to the birth of his third great-granddaughter in CA this spring.

In addition, he leaves sons Bradford Campbell of Sturbridge, his children and their families and L’Isle Campbell of Westborough. Another son, Craig Campbell of VA predeceased him.  He also leaves nieces, Linda Dowell of ME, Janet Richmond and her husband, John, of CT, and a nephew Michael Dowell and his wife, Sandi, of TX, and their families; his sister-in-law Alice Miller and her husband, Bob,  and a few dear, lifelong friends.  

The family would like to thank the cheerful, caring and compassionate staff at The Overlook Masonic Health Center (3SNF) for making Bill’s last four years comfortable and happy! They were truly his second family, especially through the pandemic, and we are eternally thankful for that, as was he. It is with that gratitude in mind, we ask any donations in Bill’s memory be made to their activity fund as he thoroughly enjoyed the music programs and events that were held regularly. Donations may be made to: Overlook Masonic Health Center Activity Fund, 88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton, MA 01507.

 
A celebration of Bill’s long life will be held on Tuesday, July 19 at 11:00 am in the James C. Nicoll Jr. Chapel at The Overlook. 

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