Joseph Dowd, 59, of Middletown and a lifelong resident of the Bayshore area, passed away May 18, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Long Branch, he was a graduate of Middletown High School South in 1979. Joe worked as a warehouse supervisor for over 30 years.
He is survived by his partner in life and love, Kathleen Ward of Middletown; his four sons, whom he was so proud of, Kevin, Shawn, Michael (wife Shannon), and Nicholas; four step-daughters, Kara, Kristin (Matthew) Hock, Jennifer, Stephanie (Robert) Jacques; and eight grandchildren, Kilian and Liliana, Harley, Haydan, Maisie and Aria, IylaGrace, and Wylie. Also surviving Joe are siblings Rita McManus, Patricia Carroll and Margaret Taintor.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents John and Margaret Dowd; brother James; three brothers-in-law, Frank McManus, Daniel Carroll and Rich Taintor; two nephews, Christopher Flanagan and Richard Wilson; and a recent passing of his brother John.
He is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces, great-nephews and sisters- in-law.
Joe enjoyed the beach, hiking, concerts, playing softball, shooting pool, sporting events and kayaking. He played softball for 35 years and was a 20-plus-year member of American Legion Post 321 in Union Beach.
In lieu of flowers, suggestions for donations are Tackle Kids Cancer Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.
A viewing was held May 24 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the May 27 – June 2, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
