Harry A. Dowling

Harry A. Dowling, Sr., 88, of Narragansett passed away on Thursday November 17, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Claire (Eldridge) Dowling, father of Jane E. Dowling, Harry A. Dowling Jr., the late Steven S. Dowling, Carol A. Dowling, 7 Grand Children, 12 Great Grand Children and one Great-Great Grand Daughter.

Born and raised in Providence, Harry was the son of Willis D. Dowling and Elizabeth (Barlow) Dowling, one of 12 children. As a young man he played minor league baseball and near the end of World War II joined the US Marine Corp. In 1950 he married Claire Eldridge and they remained steadfast partners throughout his life.

Harry worked at a number of jobs until he found work as an electrician. Starting as a lineman, he worked steadily and was proud of his work on many projects including the lighting of the Newport Bridge, environmental upgrades to the Brayton Point Power Plant and the construction of the Millstone Nuclear Plant in Connecticut. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 99, serving for 60 years. During that time he enjoyed the friendship of many of his fellow co-workers.

Harry and Claire settled in the Potowomut section of Warwick, where they remained for 25 years while raising their 4 children. Upon retirement they moved to Narragansett and became full time grandparents. Harry delighted in his grandchildren. He was always amazed by how smart they were and shared in their enjoyment of the little things that made them happy – a gentle smile, a comfy place to sit, or a sweet treat. He will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 14th at 10:00am at St. Francis deSales Church, School St., North Kingstown.