Dennis W Dow, Sr.

Dennis W. Dow Sr., life-long resident of Amesbury, and loving husband of Denise (Poulin) Dow passed away Sunday February 22 at Anna Jaques hospital with his family by his side. Born in Amesbury on June 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Raymond and Stephena (Peterzinski) Dow. Dennis attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School and was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Newburyport. He also earned his associate’s degree in law enforcement from Northern Essex Community College. After High School,Dennis enlisted in the Army serving in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Amesbury Police Department in 1972 where he received commendations from the city of Amesbury for his assistance in rescuing a woman in a 1986 hostage situation, and from the city of Newburyport for his assistance in an armed robbery. Dennis also served as a court bailiff at Rockingham Superior Court in Brentwood NH where he received a commendation on the Sheila Labarre trial and from Chief Justice Robert J. Lynn for his work on the 2008 John A Brooks Trial. During most of his adult life Dennis remained a military reservist serving in the Air Force as a loadmaster on a C-124, in the Army National Guard as a crew chief on a Huey, and in the Massachusetts Military Academy as an instructor in leadership and combat tactics. He was also in the Air Force Reserves teaching airbase and ground defense with the rank of Master Sargent receiving the Army Achievement Medal in 1984 and the Air Force Commendation Medal in 1986.

In addition to his wife, Dennis is survived by his son Dennis Dow Jr., his wife Alanna, and his loving granddaughter Lilyana. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Ann Dow, his sister Lea Ann Syvinski and husband Charles, along with several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his best friend of many years Richard Hoyt and wife Patty along with his mother-in-law Jeanne Poulin, and his in-laws Dianne Jean and husband Michael, Ronald Poulin and wife Teresa, Richard Poulin and wife Jennifer, Raymond Poulin and wifeSarah, and Russell Poulin. Aside from his parents he was predeceased by his father-in-law Raymond Poulin and his brother Raymond Dow Jr.

Calling hours for Dennis will be held this Monday March 2 from 4-7 pm at the E.V. Jutras & Sons Funeral home 118 Friend St. in Amesbury, His funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday March 3 at 10:00 am in the St. Joseph Church of St. Andre Bessette parish 2 School St. in Amesbury. Burial will be in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, 17 Court St. Boston, MA 02108.

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