Obituary of Robert F. Dowling, Jr.

Robert Francis Dowling, Jr. of Naples, FL and Woodstock, CT, passed away peacefully, at home, Friday December 3rd, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rochester, NY, March 13, 1944, son of the late Robert F. and Rosemary (Doyle) Dowling, Sr. In 1955 the family moved to Sturbridge, MA where Bob met and married his high school sweetheart, Joahn (Hooker) Dowling. On December 20th they would have celebrated their 40th anniversary. Bob was a graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge, MA and Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA. In 1964 he began his career in fiber optics at American Optical Co. of Southbridge, MA. Over the years he became one of the most respected and knowledgeable people in the field. In 1977 he and partners Keith Knowlton and Gus Loos founded Fiberoptics Technology Inc, now with manufacturing plants in Pomfret, CT and Naples, FL. As president of the company, the business grew from 6 employees to the present 130. Bob will always be remembered for his fairness, generosity and loyalty to all who called him "friend". He was instrumental in founding the non-profit organization "Santa's Elves", which every Christmas season provides toys, clothing and food to families in the area, always working in the background, never expecting recognition, enjoying seeing others happy. Bob was an avid golfer, with memberships at Quinnatisset Golf Club, Thompson, CT and Wyndemere Country Club in Naples FL, where he and Joahn made their winter home. Besides his wife, he leaves his 3 devoted daughters and their husbands, Kelly A. and William Bailey of Woodstock, Marcy L. and Victor Farutin of Upton, MA, and Lori E. and Jay Reynolds of Woodstock. His grandchildren were always a source of pride and love. He will be greatly missed by Shea and Cori Bailey, Kyle Gemmill, Jotham and Morgan Reynolds and Anya and Eva Farutin. Bob was the big brother in a family of 8 children and took the responsibilities of that position very seriously. He leaves sisters Judith Schumacher of E. Woodstock, Tracy Perreault of North Attleboro, and Mary Dowling of Belchertown, MA. His sister, Elizabeth Burns of Fall River, MA. passed away in 2001, brothers Michael Dowling of Milton, VT, Peter Dowling of Brimfield, MA and Thomas Dowling of Sturbridge, MA. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, December 7th at 10:00 A.M. at Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove St. Putnam, CT. Calling hours will be Monday, December 6th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial in East Woodstock Cemetery. In keeping with Bob's generous spirit, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his memory to Make A Wish Foundation, 940 White Plains Rd., Trumbull, CT 06611 or PanCAN (pancreatic Cancer Awareness Network), 2221 Rosecrans Ave. Suite 131, EI Segundo, CA 90245.