Richard T. Dower

Richard T. Dower

Richard T. (Dick) Dower, 86 of Fitchburg, MA passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on June 5, 2023 in Sterling Village Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.  Born in Fitchburg on December 18, 1936, Dick was the youngest of fourteen children born to the late Edward F. Dower and Olivine (Morin) Dower.  Dick was a graduate of St. Bernard’s High School Class of 1954 and veteran of the United States Navy.

Dick leaves behind his wife Carolyn M. (Xeras) Dower with whom he recently celebrated 65 years of marriage; five children Beverly A.Tefft and fiancée Thomas Piper, Francis J. Dower and Debra F. Dower all of Fitchburg, Kathleen M. Davis and husband Ronald of Templeton and David C. Dower and wife Lynn of Poolesville, MD.  Four grandchildren, Brian Tefft and wife Allison of Leominster, Jennifer Tefft and her partner Matthew Trepaney of Fitchburg, Meghan Dower and Erin Dower of Poolesville. Three great-granddaughters, a.k.a. “Grandpa’s babies” Graelyn Rusk, Everly Rusk and Scarlett Trepaney,  one brother, John “Jack” Dower of Sun City, AZ, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick was predeceased by three brothers and nine sisters.

Dick was a machinist by trade, retiring from American Can Co.  There wasn’t a tool he didn’t own or a repair he couldn’t take care of.  He enjoyed woodworking, proudly gifting his projects to family membersand passing on the love of the trade to his only grandson. He also thoroughly enjoyed listening to his Irish music, no matter the season, not just for St. Paddy’s Day.

To know Dick was to know family was everything to him.  Happiest at holidays and impromptu get-togethers, celebrating any day ending in “y”was reason enough for him tobe surroundedby the family he loved so much!  Annual family trips to Florida and trips to the casino brought Dick great joy.  Supporting his grandchildren or great-grandchildren in anything they did be it sports, activities or staying up to date with their current interests brought a permanent smile to his face. His great-grandbabies were the exclamation point to his life, always looking forward to the next time he saw them.

Dick enjoyed watching sports, particularly the Patriots and Red Sox. Though claiming to be a Yankees fan, we know he was a secret Red Sox fan.

In his final years, Dick was lovingly cared for by his wife and daughter Deb, never wanting for anything, his favorite but forbidden treats and all, and having the ability to remain in the comfort of his home. Calling hours are Monday , June 12,2023 at the funeral home from 10a.m. until 12 noon followed by a funeral service in the funeral home .. All are welcome to attend

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dick’s memory to Shriners Hospital for Children, a charity near and dear to his heart at the www.lovetotherescue.org. (click donate, follow prompts and check “in memory of”).

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