William E. Dowden, DDS, died on June 16, 2018 in Avon. Bill, known also as Ed, Dr. Dowden, Dad, and Papa, was born at home in Glen Cove, LI on January 2, 1933. He graduated from Niagara University, then attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry as an ROTC candidate, joining the Army Dental Corp with the rank of Captain.
While serving at Fort Ritchie, MD, he met Judith A. Wszalek, a sergeant and medical laboratory technician. Six months after their first date, they married and settled in Glen Cove. After three years in private dental practice he pursued post-doctoral training at the State University of New York, Buffalo. In 1969, he was hired as an assistant professor of endodontology at the then-new University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he taught for 25 years with rigor, integrity, and kindness.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Judi Dowden, his children and their spouses: Susanne D. Morrill and her husband, Chris, of West Hartford, William E. Dowden III and wife, Lisa, of North Kingstown, RI, Lee Dowden and his wife, Elizabeth, of Glastonbury and Tracey Dowden and her friend Robert Scutt; grandchildren: Rick, Jonathan, Jocelyn, Andre, Grace, Rose, and Liam (William E. Dowden IV).
The family wishes to thank the staff at Apple Rehab of Avon for their patient and thoughtful care of Bill in his final weeks.
Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 120 Albany Turnpike in Canton, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 24th. A funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Road in Avon at 10:00 AM on Monday June 25th. Burial will follow in St. Ann's Cemetery, Avon. Please do not wear black as this will be a celebration of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001. Please visit Dr. Dowden's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.