Thomas S. Dowling, 87

Tom Dowling was born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1937. He graduated from Fitch High School in Groton CT, served in the USMC from 1957 to 1960 stationed in Japan, and began a career as a draftsman for The Electric Boat Company in New London, CT in 1964.

He married Marilyn Rita Johnston on 21 November 1964. In 1980, he and his family moved to Washington State where he worked for the Tacoma Boat Company and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton. He retired from PSNS in 2001.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He passed peacefully at midnight on 15 December 2024 while in the loving care of his wife. They had just celebrated their sixtieth anniversary. His sons were with him as well.

Dad loved woodworking, golf, hunting and fishing. And the Seahawks. He raised his sons to love our country and our family. At a time when men were unaccustomed to saying it, he taught his family to say “I love you”. Our family carries on that tradition.

He leaves behind his wife Marilyn, sons John and Matthew, granddaughters Amy and Melanie, and great granddaughter Aida Rose. A celebration of life is scheduled for 30 December, 2pm at Haven of Rest in Gig Harbor. A graveside burial is scheduled for 31 December, 11am at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey.

Donations can be sent to Tunnel to Towers or Disabled American Veterans.