Charles A. Dow

Charles A. Dow, 89, of Hamilton, NJ, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Lourdes Specialty Hospital of Southern New Jersey in Willingboro, NJ. Born in Iselin, Charlie was raised in the Tottenville section of Staten Island. He moved to Somerset in 2000 and then settled in Hamilton Township in 2009. Charlie served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After his time in the military, he went on to work for Con Edison in New York. He retired in the early 1990’s. Charlie was a member and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge # 381 of the F&AM and enjoyed volunteering as a clown named “Patches” making balloon animals for children with the Shriners. He also loved to sing and host Karaoke parties for friends and family. Predeceased by his parents, Murray and Ethel Dow; his wife, Edith Ruth Dow; and his siblings, George, Ella and Grace; Charlie is survived by his children, Lorraine Dow Cruse and Kenneth Dow; Barbara Gavigan, whom he shared a 25-year loving relationship; and her children, Chris and Erin Gavigan. He is also survived by his many nieces and nephews, including, Marilyn and Eddie Smolynec, Bonnie and Greg Arabatzis, Lawrence Rand, Jr., Catherine Lee Drexler, Matthew and Susan Lee, Mark and Allison Lee, Stephen and Vicki Lee, Maureen Lee, and Michael and Jill Lee, and their families. Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., with a Prayer Service and Masonic Service beginning at 3:30 p.m., at the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ. Cremation will be private. The Dow family prefers masks be worn by attendees at the visitation and funeral services honoring Charlie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Charles’ memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.