William "Billy" H. Dowd

It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we announce the unexpected passing of our truly one-of-a-kind husband, father, uncle, and friend, William H. Dowd of Hanover, MA. More famously known as “Billy,” “Bill,” “The Bigshow,” and “The GOAT”, Billy was called to Heaven at the young age of 57 on September 6, 2025. 

Born on October 25, 1967 in Boston, MA to the late William Hull Dowd and Sheila Rabbit Dowd, our gentle giant’s spirit was truly larger than life. Billy was proud to be from Hyde Park, where he lived in a close-knit community until he wed his best friend and the love of his life, Liz Tyszka Dowd in 1993. Liz and Billy were a match made in Heaven. 

He was a Lieutenant at the Suffolk County House of Corrections for 20 years where he found the brothers he never had. The proudest day of his life was when his eldest daughter Colleen made him a dad, his favorite job in the world. 4 years later, his youngest daughter, Caitlin, completed the family. Early in his career, Billy, a natural leader, served as the President of Local 419, advocating tirelessly for his colleagues. He was awarded the 2009 “Correctional Employee of the Year” and the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Silver Medal of the Society for rescuing civilians from a house fire. He was our hero.

Married for 32 years, Billy and Liz lived a wonderful, beautiful life together with their children, Colleen and Caitlin, their adorable German Shepherd Maxi, and the most recent addition, his Chihuahua son, Tito. He enjoyed spending time at home with his family, vacationing in Aruba and Falmouth, MA, and boasting about his pride for his daughters. 

Billy, “a friend of Bill,” lived a life that exemplified trusting God, cleaning house, and helping others. He was the kind of guy who made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was well known for his impeccable sense of humor, his sound advice, and his overwhelming generosity. 

Billy is survived by his devoted wife, Liz Tyszka Dowd, his loving daughters Caitlin Dowd of Hanover, Massachusetts, Colleen Dowd and his future son-in-law William Thomas of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and his mother and father in-law, Alfreda and Teddy Tyzska of Norwood, MA. He leaves behind several amazing nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends. 

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 14th, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Sullivan Funeral Homes, 551 Washington St., Rte. 53, Hanover, MA. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 15th, 2025 at  9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels - St.Mary of the Sacred Heart Church, 392 Hanover St. Rte. 139, Hanover, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Billy’s memory may be made to the Maura Wilkins Foundation, Attn Maribeth MacDonald, 25 Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184 maurawilkinsfoundation.org and the Edwina Martin House at emhouse.org, two causes close to Billy and Liz’s heart.