Patrick Edward Dowling

Patrick E. Dowling, a pioneer in early computer development, died November 15th at his home in San Antonio, TX at the age of 72. The cause of death was respiratory failure brought on by squamous cell carcinoma of the neck.

Patrick was born in Brooklyn, NY, the only surviving child of his parents, Arthur and Josephine Dowling. He excelled academically early on and was accelerated in class at St. Michaels elementary school and was accepted at the prestigious Aviation High School at the age of 12. After graduation, Patrick enlisted in the US Air Force where he worked on the Titan Missile system primarily in North Dakota.

Upon release from the Air Force, Patrick joined the Italian firm, Olivetti Corp. He quickly advanced from service technician, to Product Manager to Director of System Training. It was in this position that he met a young trainee named Carol Keetch. Carol became the light and inspiration to Pat's life and their romance flourished. They were married in Texas. Patrick accepted a management position at the fast rising Digital Equipment Corp. and he, Carol and his stepdaughter, Kathryn, moved to Denver, CO. Carol excelled as well in the computer field and advanced to Vice President of Sales at Future Kids Corp. They shared a passion for skiing and purchased a condominium at Vale ski resort. The condo provided a vacation haven for the Dowling family and many warm memories were created between Pat, Carol, Kathryn and Christopher, Kathryn's son.

Illness in Carol's family led Pat and Carol to move to Virginia Beach where Pat began his own business, Computer Nerd. Pat successfully ran this business for 9+ years until their desire to be close to Kathryn and Christopher resulted in their move to San Antonio.

Tragedy struck the Dowling family when Carol died suddenly on Columbus Day, 2010 from an unexpected coronary failure. Pat's love of Carol was deep and his grief remained constant until his death.

Pat is survived by his stepdaughter, Kathryn and her son, Christopher. His intelligence, generosity, and compassion will be missed by his family and his many friends.