America's Largest Catholic Newspaper
Deacon Roland “Ron” F. Dowen, who served at St. Gregory Barbarigo parish in Garnerville for 22 years, died Aug. 14 at home in Stony Point. He was 87.
Deacon Dowen was ordained by Cardinal John O’Connor in St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 6, 1998.
At St. Gregory Barbarigo, he was involved in the parish’s sacramental and liturgical life. He served at hospitals and nursing homes, and ministered to the homebound, youth, young adults, the separated and the bereaved.
Born in Long Branch, N.J., he moved with his family to Stony Point in 1968, when he became an administrator in the North Rockland Central School District, where he served until his retirement in 1992.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he served his community with the Stony Point Ambulance Corps and Stony Point Little League.
His wife of 60 years, Margaret, survives him. He also is survived by their children, Michael, Mark, Matthew and Mary Margaret, and grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew, Tyler, Taylor, Jenna, Samantha, Dominic, Aleya and Sophia, and a sister, Joyce.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Aug. 21 at St. Gregory Barbarigo.
