Joseph Michael Dowd passed away on April 21, 2025 of natural causes. He was born on April 2, 1928, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Thomas Dowd; his first wife, Ruth McGovern Dowd; his daughter, Deborah Dowd; and his brother, James Dowd.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Susan Berry Dowd, who was his constant companion, best friend, and his love. To Joe, Susan meant everything. He often said they were as happy in their later years as they were on the day they met-sharing laughter, support, and unwavering devotion through every chapter of life. Their partnership was a true love story, marked by mutual respect, deep affection, and a quiet joy that never faded.

He is also survived by his four children: Karen Marie Yates and her husband Steve Banda of Long Valley, NJ; James Richard of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Richard Thomas and his wife Catherine of Oceanside, NY; and Michael Colin and his wife Jessica of San Diego, CA. He also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

As a child, Joe contracted polio, resulting in an atrophied left leg which required the use of a brace throughout most of his life. In 2012, due to circulation complications, the leg was amputated. Yet his physical challenges never slowed him down or defined his path.


Joe earned a Bachelor of Science with Highest Honors from Rutgers University and pursued graduate studies in the MBA program at the University of Tulsa. His professional journey began on the waterfront of Jersey City with the Pennsylvania Railroad. He went on to hold leadership positions with Union Carbide Corporation in New York City, American Airlines-where he served 17 years as Director of Data Processing in both NYC and Tulsa-and ultimately served the City of Tulsa for 16 years as Director of Information and Communication Services.

He was a long-time member of the Downtown Lions Club, the Association of Systems Management, the Tulsa Gun Club, and a dedicated volunteer with the Tulsa Police Department's Volunteers in Police Service for a decade. He was also an active member of the Saint Francis Health Zone. A man of strong Catholic faith, Joe was a devoted parishioner at both St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Churches in Tulsa.

Joe enjoyed trap shooting, playing pool, and swimming laps. He was an avid supporter of the NY Giants, Rutgers and Notre Dame football teams, and the New York Yankees.

Throughout his career, Joe was known as a strong and principled leader-tough, demanding, but always fair, honest, and forthright. He was never shy about his convictions and always made his values clear. Above all, he wished to be remembered as a loving father who imparted his values and beliefs through both his words and actions.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities of Tulsa, Blue Star Mothers of Tulsa, or Folds of Honor in Owasso.

Susan and the family extend heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Inverness, who made Joe feel special over the past 13 years-especially Shannon and Esther in Dining, Brent and Dennis in Maintenance, Catherine in the Fitness Center, and Sara in the Glenlivet Lounge. Deep thanks also go to Saint Francis Hospice, especially Megan, Amanda, Shirley and Tina, and to Emma and Angel of InCare and to Skilled Nursing staff at Inverness for their compassion and care in Joe's final weeks.

A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date at St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, 4532 South 25th West Avenue, Tulsa.