John D. "Sonny" Dowse

John D. Dowse Athol – John D. ”Sonny” Dowse, 76, of 172 Sanders Street,  died Friday, November 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.      Sonny was born in Maynard, MA, July 1, 1938, the son of John and Leta (Gaudette) Dowse.   He grew up and lived in Sudbury for many years where he also attended schools and since 1983 has resided in Athol.         He worked for the town of Sudbury for 28 years as a heavy equipment operator until his retirement.  He served in the Army National Guard from 1956 to 1963.  He was a member of the National Rifle Association, past president of the former Athol Rod and Gun Club, was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed scratch tickets, visiting with his friends at local coffee shops but most especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.        Sonny leaves his wife, Grace (Lohnes) Dowse; his children, John Sambuchi and his wife Sandi of Clinton, Randy Dowse of Athol, Aaron Hanley of Port Orange, FL and Bobbi-Jo Erali and her husband Eric of Athol; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Denise, Matthew, Jason, Tiffany, Joseph, Derek and Cody.  He also leaves four sisters, June Carew of VT, Jean Dowse of Marlborough, MA, Bonnie Morin and Bambi Germain, both of Athol and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by a son, Jason Hanley and a brother, James Dowse.       Calling hours will be held from Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 10:00 A.M. until noon at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol.  Burial will follow at the New Town Cemetery in Sudbury.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to:  www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });