Oliver Haskell "Kell" Dowd Sr.

Portsmouth- Oliver Haskell Dowd, Sr., “Kell” to family and friends, passed away on December 17, 2023, at Portsmouth Hospital. Born in Portsmouth on July 10, 1930, to Eleanor Haskell Dowd and Oliver Henry Dowd, Kell grew up on Kent Street and attended Portsmouth schools. He excelled at football and track at Portsmouth High School and graduated from PHS in 1950. Kell was a Korean War-era veteran, serving in the U.S. Army. In 1954, he married Helen Thomson, and they were stationed in Germany for the first year or so of marriage. Upon returning stateside, he began his career at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he remained until his retirement in 1985. Although Helen and Kell subsequently divorced, they remained friends until her death in 1999. A devoted family man, Kell was extremely close to his children, Oliver “Buddy” Dowd and Diana Dowd-Werry. He spent many hours as coach or spectator as Buddy progressed from Little League through college athletics, then attended his grandchildren’s many games and events in later years. He loved family gatherings, and especially enjoyed getting together for holidays and summer cookouts. The annual July 10th lobster feed to celebrate his birthday became a revered tradition and a seasonal highlight for family and friends. Kell long enjoyed fishing, starting in his early years as he accompanied his father to local fishing spots, often using their hand-tied flies. He passed along his love of fishing and being on the water to his son and grandchildren. In his later years, Kell rediscovered his love of live music, and especially disco music. He frequented dance sites throughout Portsmouth and the Seacoast well into his 80’s. Kell was predeceased by his parents, his brother Ronald H. Dowd, and his ex-wife Helen Dowd. He leaves behind his son, Buddy Dowd, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth; his daughter, Diana Dowd-Werry, and son-in-law Andrew Werry; grandchildren Caitlin Dowd, Thomas Dowd, and Douglas Werry; and his great grandson, Elijah Dowd as well as his two nieces Amy Dowd Bartholomew, Catherine M. Dowd and nephew Peter E. Dowd. Kell Dowd will be remembered as a kind, engaging man with a great sense of humor, and he will be greatly missed by his family. A Celebration of Life is planned for July.

Oliver Haskell "Kell" Dowd Sr.

July 10, 1930 - December 17, 2023