Russ Dowd Passes Away

Woodstock – Russell J Dowd, 76, of Woodstock CT passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025. Born on October 19, 1948, he was the son of the late Russell T. and Catherine (Sullivan) Dowd. He was predeceased by his brother James A. Dowd in 1989.

Russ was a graduate of Woodstock Academy, and he attended Ward’s School of business in Worcester which led to his first job at American Optical Co. He joined the Army during the Vietnam era and served in the Pentagon in the Defense Department where he received the Joint Service Commendation medal.

While in Washington he took a course in Broadcasting and began his radio career at WPIK and WXRA. Upon returning to Woodstock, he was then hired at WESO and WQVR in Southbridge where he served as Operations Manager for over 25 years.

Russ’s lifelong hobby and passion was racing, which began as a youngster with Go-Carts and developed into modified NASCAR. He raced at Stafford, Thompson, Waterford and the Pocono Speedways. Due to his voice and broadcast abilities, he was hired as the announcer at several tracks and finally served for 27 years as the General Manager and announcer of the Thompson Speedway. Russ was recently inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame in November 2024.

In his hometown of Woodstock, Russ served on the Town’s Sesquicentennial Committee, the Board of Directors of the Central Cemetery Association, Woodstock Library Board, and was a lifelong member of the Benson-Flugel American Legion Post 111. For many years he booked the entertainment at the Woodstock Fair.

Russ’s main Civic love was for the Muddy Brook Fire Department where he served in many positions throughout his life, including Chief for 10 years. He was a fireman for nearly 58 years.

Russ is survived by his nephews: James, Adam (his wife Melanie) Dowd; niece, Anne-Marie (her husband Josh) Thibeault and their children: Dawnielle, Jack, Lucas Dowd and Marijane Thibeault; and several cousins.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and/or the Muddy Brook Fire Dept. Woodstock CT.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Russ’s family on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 4pm to 8pm at the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260. A gathering will take place at the funeral home the following morning from 9:30am to 10:30am, followed a funeral mass of Christian burial at 11am at St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, CT 06260. The burial will take place in the spring at Woodstock Central Cemetery. For memorial guestbook please visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.