Staatsburg, NY

Peter W. Dowley, of Staatsburg, NY for 54 years, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the age of 83. Peter was a college graduate, a family man, an IBMer, an adventurer, a military man, an adult scouter, and a community organizer.

He graduated from Fordham University and worked at IBM for 25 years in software development and as a customer advisor. He served in the US Navy for 30 years, first aboard the USS Taconic, then as a reservist in the Supply Corps until he retired from duty at the rank of Captain.

Peter volunteered to take on leadership of the local cub scout pack so his sons could continue Scouting. He went on to serve 50 years as an adult volunteer, receiving the highest local award, the Silver Beaver.

He also served his local town in many ways: helped with the 1976 Bicentennial committee, acted as the emcee for the Staatsburg Scout Pack 28 annual fund raiser and documented and organized the town takeover of the failing Staatsburg water system.

He first traveled with the US Navy and never stopped until his health declined. Numerous road trips across the country, excursions to Bluegrass and line dancing festivals along the eastern seaboard, and even an extended RV trip to Alaska kept Peter on the move.

Peter was born in Manhattan, NYC to Francis J. Dowley and Dorothea T. Dowley (nee Baumann) in October of 1940. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Jane and Robert Scotto-Lavino, and brother-in-law Eugene Mason.

Earlier this year, he celebrated 60 years of marriage with his widow Katherine J Dowley, nee Brannon. Peter is survived by sons Kevin (Raquel) Dowley of Indiana, Jefferey Dowley of Staatsburg, and daughter Kathleen (David) Titley of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Matthew Dowley of California, and Rachel (Jason) Alexander of Massachusetts; sister-in-law Elizabeth Mason of New York, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at  Sweet is Funeral Home, Rte. 9,  Hyde Park, NY.  The family asks in lieu of flowers to please consider donating to the Staatsburg Library (www.staatsburglibrary.org) or to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) scholarship fund [check: Mid-Hudson Chapter, MOAA, mailed to Capt. Bernie Fountain, 12 Meier Road, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603].