John W. Dowding, Jr.

John W. Dowding, Jr., 88, died peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Born in Providence, RI to the late John W. and Signe (Wallster) Dowding, he was a proud Navy Veteran of World War II. John received a BS from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master�s Degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was a Metalurgist for American Saw for 33 years until his retirement. John was predeceased by his wife Dorothy T. (Nash) Dowding in 2010. He will be sadly missed by his four sons; Robert J. Dowding and his wife Rita Barry, William J. Dowding and his wife Erin, Ronald A. Dowding and his wife Jeanne and Michael G. Dowding and his wife Jacqueline, eight beloved grandchildren; Timothy, Ian, Jack, Sam, Andrew, Christopher, Emily and Matthew Dowding, as well as several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 3rd from 3:00-6:00 pm at Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham. John�s Funeral will be Monday at 10:00 am at Wilbraham Funeral Home followed a Mass at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia�s Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MA Citizens for Life, Pioneer Valley Chapter, PO Box 96, Ludlow, MA 01056 ( www.mcfl-pv.macitizensforlife.org ) or The ARC of MA, 217 South St., Waltham, MA 02453 ( www.thearcofma.org ).