Martin W. Dowling's Obituary
Martin W. Dowling, 98, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Martin is survived by his wife Celine Dowling; children Michele (Keith) Fitterer, Dennis Dowling, and Patricia (James) Shaffer; grandchildren Chelsea Fitterer, Ashley (Justin) Loftis, Shannon Shaffer, and Meghan Shaffer; great-grandchildren Waylon Loftis, Iris Loftis, and Rowan Franks.
Written by his grandkids:
If you knew our Pap, you knew the energy and light he exuded into the room. He never met anyone he didn't love and there's not one person who didn't feel loved by him. He was our happy guy, our heart and soul, and smile we always strived to see. Pap loved to work - loved to build, woodwork, loved to garden, loved his family and loved his wine. His favorite place was his workshop at the Farm he bought in 1962 where he crafted pieces of his heart for all of us to have forever. The Farm hosted him and his buddies for his weekly card games that he cherished where he laughed about drinking expired coffee and wine! Partier at heart, Pap was full of stories and constant ideas. He always wanted to start new businesses and knew every house and piece of land in Jefferson Borough! You couldn't mention any friends name without him asking if they lived on this Street in this house.
Pap loved his life. His zest for life and constant happiness is something we have always admired and tried to replicate. He pushed us - his four granddaughters - to work hard and to do what makes us happy with a huge emphasis on being ourselves. "Keep smiling! I like when you smile!"
We are so lucky to have had our Pap through so many milestones in our lives including graduations, weddings, and the birth of 3 great grandchildren who he adored. His loss is absolutely immeasurable and will be felt for the rest of our lives but the happiness and love we received was greater. We love you beyond any words we could ever say - don't you dare roll your eyes at us - and we can't wait to see you again and hear you say "HEY HEY USA!"
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, 15236. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 9 at 10:00 am at Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish, St. Thomas A'Beckett worship site, 139 Gill Hall Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025. Burial to follow at Jefferson Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.com
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