Harold "Joe" Dow

Harold "Joe" Dow, 83, Barefoot Bay, FL passed away peacefully on July 18th at William Childs Hospice House, Palm Bay, FL with his wife and daughter by his side.

Born on July 31, 1939 in Portsmouth, NH, he was the son of the late George W. and Helen M. (Carkin) Dow. Joe was a long-time resident of Portsmouth where he graduated from Portsmouth High School class of 1957 and later joined the Portsmouth Fire Department and retired as Lieutenant after 20 years of service. Upon retiring, he and Jackie spent many New England winters in Barefoot Bay, FL. Joe loved the warm weather and after living in Portsmouth for 81 years they moved to Barefoot Bay in 2020.

He proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 years. He was a longtime member of the Portsmouth Moose Lodge and the Portsmouth Elks.

Joe was a man who fought hard for others. He was instrumental in passing laws that increased benefits for all retired firefighters and their spouses. He was the secretary/treasurer of the NH Retired Firefighter's Association for 7 years, a trustee of the NH Retirement System for 8.5 years. He lobbied for both the NH Retired Firefighters and State Police for 13 years.

He was a happy-go-lucky, energetic and life of the party kind of guy who always made you laugh. He truly believed laughing was what keeps us young. He had a way of lighting up a room with his gregarious personality.

Joe loved the game of golf. He was a long-time member of the Portsmouth Country Club and served as secretary for 12 years. His proudest moment was when he played at Augusta National. His dearest friends were his golf partners and he enjoyed spending time with them on the course, and at the 19th hole!

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jacqueline Dow of Barefoot Bay, FL, his daughter, Bonnie and husband Larry Collins of Topsfield, MA, as well 3 grandchildren that were the love of his life, Meghan Collins, Ethan Collins and Declan Collins as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and seven siblings.

Services: a time of visitation will be held from 10AM-12PM with a memorial service to immediately follow at 12PM on Monday, July 31, 2023 at the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel, 84 Broad

Street, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Joe's Club, Adult Day Care facility at 7951 Ron Beatty Blvd Micco, FL 32976 or online at Joe's Club or to the William Childs Hospice House. For online condolences, visit: www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel.