William “Bill” Dowling, a resident of Sheffield, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2023 at the age of 73 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.
Bill was born in Hartford, Conn. on August 23, 1949 to the late Thomas and Anne (Kahrmann) Dowling. He was raised in New Britain, Conn., where he attended and graduated Pulaski High School in the class of 1968. Following high school, Bill was drafted and went on to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from May 1969 to December 1970. Among his honors of distinction, he was awarded the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged from the military due to injuries he sustained while valiantly protecting the freedom and safety of the United States of America in Vietnam. As an aftereffect of his injuries, Bill faced challenges that many combat veterans suffer in the years to follow, but through it all, his quiet and gentle strength persevered. He worked as a small engine mechanic, loved anything on wheels, was an amateur photographer, and was a devoted member of the American Legion. He was generous and thoughtful, and his family and close friends will miss his presence in our lives.
Bill is survived by his brothers, John Dowling and wife Betty and Chuck Dowling; his sister, Lisa (Dowling) Salomon; his sister-in-law, Linda Dowling; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong close friends Chuck and Zoe Nelson and the Nelson family. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Timothy Dowling.
A gathering in celebration of Bill’s life including Military Honors will be held May 13, 2023 at 9 a.m. at the VA Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
