Art, 87, passed away peacefully on Feb. 16, 2026. Born in Boston, MA, to Arthur and Mary Dowd, Art spent his childhood along the Connecticut coastline, where his lifelong love of the water began. Over the years, he moved to Indiana and upstate New York before eventually settling in Riverview, FL, in 1999, where he lived for the rest of his life.
He attended Notre Dame High School and went on to build a distinguished career in the railroad industry. After 35 years of dedicated service, Art retired early but remained professionally active as a sought-after expert witness well into his 80s—a fact that both surprised and delighted him. Those who knew him understood why: he was sharp, thoughtful, and wise far beyond his years.
On Oct. 2, 1965, Art married Mary Lynn Whitman. Together they shared 60 devoted years of marriage, building a home centered on faith, hospitality, and family.
Art’s interests were wide-ranging. He loved his faith, history, travel, swimming, baseball, and a good glass of scotch. Most of all, he treasured time with his family. Over the years, he and Mary Lynn warmly welcomed eight foreign exchange students into their home, many of whom remained in close contact decades later. Most recently, they enjoyed a visit from their Italian “son,” Marco, and his wife just last month.
Though he loved many pets throughout his life, his favorite companion was his beloved Irish Wolfhound, Irish.
Art was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Mary Dowd, and his in-laws, Janet and Robert Whitman. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Dowd; his children, Kristine (Denis) Corcoran, Jeffrey (Debi) Dowd, and Amanda (Brian) Sabean; and his cherished grandchildren, Nick (Makenna), Alex, Katie, Brenna, Sean, Aidan, and Declan. He is also lovingly remembered by his bonus grandsons, Colin (Elena), Sean, Brendan (Olivia), and Darren (Margie). He is further survived by his brother, James; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and many amazing friends whom he adored.
Art found great joy in gathering loved ones around the table, especially for big family dinners. He lived life fully, with warmth, humor, an infectious laugh, and deep devotion to those he loved. True to his enduring connections in the railroad community, he had planned to host his annual railroad retirement luncheon this week—a tradition he sadly missed. To say he will be missed is truly an understatement. His legacy of faith, family, and friendship will live on in all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 10701 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, FL 33578, on Saturday, March 14 at 3 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, 701 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon, FL 33511, at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, P.O. Box 1173, Riverview, FL 33568, or online at [https://www.stmatthewsanglican.org/giving](https://www.stmatthewsanglican.org/giving).
Previous Events
Memorial Service
14
Mar
10701 Bloomingdale Avenue
Riverview, FL 33578
Celebration of Life Service
14
Mar
701 West Lumsden Road
Brandon, FL 33511
