Arthur P Dowling

Arthur Patrick “Captain Art” Dowling, 86, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May 14, 2026. Born on May 26, 1939, in Halifax, Art spent the greater part of his life doing what he loved most — being on the water.

Known to nearly everyone simply as “Captain Art,” he left Canada as a young man and made his way to the United States, where he built a life and career around the sea. He began working on large yachts in Nova Scotia before eventually finding work in Norwalk at Gardella’s and Norwalk Cove Marina, delivering boats and earning his captain’s position through hard work, skill, and dedication.

Art later captained a Bertram yacht owned by the Huebline Company in Hartford, with the vessel berthed in Old Saybrook — a town that would become his beloved home for most of his life. He also worked for Paul Barton doing varnish work before accepting the position that would define much of his career: captain of the sportfishing boat Excello, Post 42, owned by New Haven Terminal. Art proudly captained the vessel for many years, becoming known as an exceptionally skilled sports fisherman and respected mariner. Even after the boat was sold, he continued working for New Haven Terminal on the loading docks while still captaining boats on weekends and handling deliveries for Harbor One Marina for many years into retirement.

Among the many stories shared about Captain Art, one stood above the rest. On a cold late-fall day near Plum Island, while scouting fishing grounds aboard a company boat, Art noticed something unusual in the water off in the distance. Trusting his instincts, he investigated and discovered two people stranded in the frigid water after their boat had struck something and sunk. He pulled both to safety, saving their lives after they had been exposed to the cold water for an extended time. It was a quiet act of heroism that reflected exactly who he was.

Art’s love for the water extended far beyond work. He spent years captaining and working aboard many vessels in Florida and was happiest with the sea breeze in his face, a fishing line in the water, and a good cigar nearby. When he wasn’t boating, he enjoyed amateur photography and especially loved photographing horses at shows.

He is survived by his sisters, Theresa Dowling of Toronto and Patricia Gates of Dartmouth; his brother, Michael Dowling (Anne) of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia; and many beloved nieces, great-nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Archibald Dowling and Mary Dowling (née Potie); his brother, Ritchie Dowling; and his sister, Marilyn Levesconte.

Captain Art will be remembered for his steady hands, adventurous spirit, quiet courage, and deep love of life on the water. To all who knew him, he was happiest at sea — and that is where his memory will forever remain.