Francis Edward Dowling

Francis Edward (Ed) Dowling went to heaven on February 25, 2016 with his wife Barbara by his side, after losing his battle to brain cancer. He was born on April 15, 1940 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Francis Edward Dowling and Marie Josephine McGreevy. He received his Master’s degree from Bridgewater State Teachers College in School Administration. He married on November 26, 1976 at Ridders Country Club in Whitman Massachusetts to Barbara Ewell. They were partners in marriage for over 39 years. The couple had one child, Jennifer Marie Smith (Dowling). The family resided in Orange Park FL for the past 37 years. He was preceded by Cousin Sister Katherine McGreevy, Aunt Cada McGreevy and Uncle Jerry McGreevy. He was the father of two boys, Daniel and Edward Dowling from a prior marriage. Ed was an elementary school teacher for many years in Massachusetts and then in Florida where he taught at Doctors Inlet Elementary. He had many part time jobs. He worked for a RI newspaper, sold shoes at Kinney shoes, sold insurance for Mutual of Omaha and Independent Life. After retirement he worked part time at Westland Golf Course as a course advisor and then at Publix in Orange Park. Ed was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He was also a volunteer for the Champions Club for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had two favorite college football teams, The Fighting of Irish of Notre Dame and the Florida State Seminoles. Ed loved all sports, he would even watch turtle races if no other sports were on TV. He loved playing golf, and playing with his grandchildren Justin and Kayleigh. He loved cruising, helping people, and spending most of his time with his wife Barbara and daughter Jennifer and son in law Ron Smith. He was an extraordinary Dad and Patriarch to his family. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren, Justin and Kayleigh Smith and Eric McGrath as well as his Cousin Sister Marie Geraldine McGreevy. His life will be celebrated on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 11:00am with Chaplain Reese Edwards officiating. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:30am at HARDAGE-GIDDENS HOLLY HILL FUNERAL HOME, 3601 Old Jennings Rd, Middleburg FL 32068. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 28 from 6-8 PM at the chapel. Please sign the guestbook at www.hollyhillfunerals.com.