Robert James Dowd Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Robert James Dowd Jr, age 75 of Canonsburg, on October 30, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Hospital of Pittsburgh. He fought and endured numerous illnesses prior to his passing. Robert had a zest for life and battled and overcame Polio at an early age. That was truly indicative of his resilience and fortitude that he carried throughout his life. He was an accomplished athlete in baseball and swimming in his youth. Robert was truly the epitome of a loving selfless man that gave his all to everyone and everything that was important to him. 

He was born on October 31, 1948, to Robert James Dowd Sr. and Virginia Strough Dowd of Utica New York. After Robert graduated from Notre Dame High school, New Hartford NY in 1966, he chose to dedicate his life to his religious beliefs and joined the Xavierian Brothers to serve his Lord and Savior. He then decided to navigate towards serving his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968. Soon after he served in Vietnam and went on to serve his country for over 26 years. During that period, he received a multitude of accolades including the coveted Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters More importantly, he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant that can only be obtained by one percent of the Air Force. Upon retirement, he was honored by the Air Force Recruiting Service and labeled as a legend for all his illustrious achievements. After retirement from service, he went on to work for Primerica where he rose to be the Vice President of the Field Audit Operations for which he managed over fifty auditors North America wide to include seven Canadian auditors. 

Robert is the eldest of six children. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Maureen Handzel, her surviving husband Joseph Handzel lives in Utica New York. 

On June 3, 1995, he married Joyce “Joy” Byrnes Dowd who he leaves after 29 years of marriage. Also left behind to cherish his memory are his sons Bobby Joe Dowd and Andrew Dowd of San Antonio Texas, his brother Daniel R. Dowd and his wife Sandra Dowd of Forestport New York, Sister Kathleen Dowd Eberle and her husband Joseph Eberle of Watertown New York, brother Michael Dowd and his wife Cynthia Dowd of Yorktown VA, sister Judith Lynch and her husband Brian Lynch of Camden New York. Also, his sisters-in-laws Rita Byrnes and Pam Debor of Canonsburg, and a multitude of nephew and nieces.

 Friends and family are welcome from 2- until 6 pm Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc. Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor 304 West Pike Street Canonsburg (724) 745-8120 where departing prayers will be recited at 8:40 am Monday November 4, 2024. . A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 am Monday in St. Oscar Romero Parish Saint Patrick Church 317 West Pike Street Canonsburg. Interment, with full Military Honors accorded by the United States Air Force and the VFW Post 191 Honor Guard will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp. at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society and Autism Society. To view or extend your condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com.