Dennis Charles Dow, 76, of Bradenton, Florida, a longtime resident of Maine, and originally from Austin, Pennsylvania, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with his loving wife, Sharon, by his side. Born on November 4, 1947, in St. Marys, PA, he was the son of Harold and Wilma "Fritz" Dow.
On June 20, 1981, in Woolwich, Maine, he married Sharon McAvoy White, who survives. Dennis was the beloved husband of Sharon. They came into each other's lives 44 years ago, and anyone who knew them understood the depth of their love.
They made each other whole and shared 43 beautiful years of marriage. He began his career as an educator in Pennsylvania, teaching high school and coaching basketball. He later moved to Maine and became an elementary school teacher. While in Maine, he also obtained his Master's degree and postgraduate certifications and transitioned to a fulfilling career as Elementary School Principal. Dennis retired from his career as a principal in 2008, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives.
Upon retirement, Dennis and Sharon began spending time during the Maine winters in Florida, eventually moving there permanently in 2011 for the year-round golfing and activities. Dennis had many varied interests.
He loved sports, both watching and participating, and made numerous lifelong friends through his love of golfing, poker and trivia. Dennis and Sharon blended their families together and in addition to Sharon, Dennis is survived by his daughters, Staci (Candace Tibbetts) White, Bobbi White and Heather Dow Caldwell; grandchildren, Kasey (Tad) Nelson, Cody Beaulieu, Molly Webber and Joshua Webber and great-grandchildren, Elle Rose Nelson and Beau Nelson, due in July. Dennis is also survived by three siblings, Doris Dow, Daniel Dow and Dean (Cathy) Dow. In addition to his parents, Dennis was predeceased by five siblings, David Dow, Douglas Dow, Donald Dow, Duane Dow, and Diane (Michael) Lovell.
Dennis often expressed gratitude for the blessings in his life, though those who knew and loved him understood that he was the true blessing.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. In honoring Dennis's memory, the family kindly requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation. Per his wishes, there will be no formal service.
