Anthony J. "Andy" Dowdy

God called Anthony Jerome Dowdy (Andy) home to rest on September 14th, 2020. Born in Woonsocket, he was the son of the late John Dowdy Jr. and the late Ethel M. (Dandy) Dowdy.

Andy graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1973. While in high school he was a triathlete; Andy excelled in football, baseball, and basketball.  It was his dream to play professional Baseball; he may have made it too, if it were not for an injury received on the football field. While in high school, Andy also served as a class officer, which was rare for a young Black man to hold such a position at that time. He was an avid writer and loved poetry. Among Andy’s many affiliations, he was also president of the youth department of the Woonsocket Chapter of the NAACP. After high school, Andy attended Bryant College and then joined the United States Military.

Andy enjoyed serving his community. In his adult life, he attended Rhode Island College and received many certificates, however, he was most proud of his Substance Abuse Counseling certification. He provided counseling services at the Bannister House in Providence, RI.  He really enjoyed assisting others who had difficulties in life, so they too could get themselves together.

Andy was a member of the St. James Baptist Church, where he served in various capacities. He was the head of the Prison Outreach Ministry and spent much of his time writing inmates as well as ministering to them on the telephone.  Andy was also a member of the senior choir, the male chorus, and the men’s ministry.

Andy was affectionately known as “Pops” by his children and granddaughter Jayda. Pops was a true warrior until the end. He loved the game of basketball and loved to discuss NBA games with his daughters and granddaughter. Pops always made sure he never left home without a pair of headphones, he loved music! His favorite artist was George Clinton. Pops loved spending time with his one and only granddaughter Jayda. He made her feel safe and protected. Pops and Jayda always shared a good laugh. He will never be forgotten by his children and they have vowed to carry on his legacy forever!

Andy loved spending time with his mother.  It wasn’t uncommon for Andy to catch the bus to his mother’s house to sit with her and watch a baseball or basketball game.  The two of them would eat cheese and crackers, drink soda or juice and go to sleep.  By half-time, the game would be watching the two of them.  Although Andy loved being with his mother in person, if he were unable to obtain transportation, he would call her many times throughout day to check on her; mostly he called to say that Blayne or Jackie were ignoring him or not answering their phones when he called.

Andy leaves to mourn his daughters Ashiki Robinson and Ondrea Robinson of Woonsocket, and his granddaughter Jayda Robinson of Woonsocket. His brothers Edward Dowdy (Sheila) of Woonsocket, Larry Dowdy (Lorraine) of Las Vegas; his sisters Jacqueline Dowdy, Blayne Dowdy, and Tiffany Hazel (Steven) of Woonsocket. His uncles Dwight Dandy and Joseph Dowdy of Woonsocket and Leroy Dandy of Las Vegas. His aunts Josephine Byrd, Emma Dandy, and Betty Dowdy of Woonsocket. Andy was preceded in death by his brothers Richard and John Dowdy.

His Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 12 noon in St. James Baptist Church 340 S. Main St., Woonsocket RI 02895 followed by burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 AM -12 PM prior to the service. The S. DiPardo Memorial Chapel Funeral Home 1583 Diamond Hill Rd Woonsocket. RI 02895 is in charge of the arrangements. 

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