David Joseph Dowd, age 81, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away August 12, 2026. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 15, 1945 to the late David Sr. and Doris Dowd.
David was passionate about serving society through his profession as a social worker and also as a volunteer for the Lay Carmelite Order particularly helping those most vulnerable. He was a very kind and lovable man who touched many hearts and was beloved by a large close knit community of colleagues, neighbors, and friends whom he personally considered family.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Persinger and her husband, Greg; son, Kenneth Dowd and grandchildren: Lanir Dowd, Julia Persinger and Kaitlyn Persinger.
Visitation to be held at his church on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 12:30 PM until Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 5601 South Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches, Florida 33330.
Urn Committal will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Florida at a later date.
Services entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
St. Mark Catholic Church
St. Mark Catholic Church
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Elizabeth McCandliss
August 13, 2026, 10:25 pm
My condolences to the family. Rest in peace David,
Saadia Greenberg
August 14, 2026, 1:34 am
My condolences to David’s family. David and I worked together at the Administration on Aging many years ago and I shall always fondly remember his friendliness and warmth. May you find comfort in your memories of his wonderful presence.
Elsie Finke
August 14, 2026, 1:59 am
David,
Was devoted an active member of the Carmel. Of Elijiah Secular community in Miami. His presence, faith, and commitment to our Carmelite family will deeply missed. I thank God for the blessing having him among us and to have Shared our journey of faith in the community.
He shared with me lots of words of wisdom, I am sure he did share his wisdom with all in the community.
May Our Lady of Mount Carmel accompany David into the presence of her son Jesús Christ.
Elsie
Olgamarie Tanon
August 14, 2026, 2:30 am
My condolences to the family. David was a good gentle soul. May the Lord reward his good and faithful servant.
David I will always remember seeing you at St Mark with your treasured books of St. John of the Cross and St Therese of Lisieux . Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm and love of the Lord and His saints. Love in Carmel .
Gina Cantave
August 14, 2026, 2:38 pm
I am speechless!…
He was truly a good man, a faithful and compassionate carmelite. We will miss his presence.
May Our Lord welcomes our brother David in His Kingdom and gives comfort to his family and friends.
Victor Reyes Resano
August 14, 2026, 3:34 pm
My dear brother in Christ, he was a brother with his sharings and good mood and understanding, a teacher when we studied ‘The Way of Perfection’ and borrow me ‘The Practice of the Presence of Christ’s by Fray Lawrence of the Resurrection, a father when he concealed me and his talks, I’m gonna miss him, but now I know he is in a better place.
God bless him
Juana Sanchez-Presas
August 14, 2026, 4:11 pm
David was an example of faith to all who knew him and a most loyal member of our community. He will be sorely missed.
May his family find peace in his loss.
Juana
Lanir, Marissa & Kai Zeveigenhaft
August 14, 2026, 10:38 pm
Dear Kenny & family – our hearts are with you and we send our deepest condolences on the loss of your special father. He will live on through you in the shared stories and strength of his loved ones. We send all our love and support to you. May his memory be eternal.
Andreína Hernández
August 16, 2026, 3:13 am
Paz a su alma, mis condolencias a toda la familia. Les envío un fraternal abrazo lleno de cariño y consuelo.
Brilla para tío David la luz perpetua
Ingrid Porras
August 16, 2026, 4:26 pm
Dear David, the memory of you brings warmth to my soul, and a quiet smile shows in my face when I remember the moments shared. I’m grateful to have known you and to be a recipient of your kind words and actions. You are forever my Carmelite brother in Christ. May your beautiful soul become one with your beloved.
I sincerely hope that David’s family finds solace in the knowledge of his enduring love and the profound impact he had on so many lives.
Dr. Maria Teahan
August 17, 2026, 3:15 pm
To David’s loved ones: David was a respected and beloved professor, clinical advisor and clinical educator at Barry University School of Social Work for many years. Our hearts are broken but we know David’s faith was strong and that his belief in our spirit and connections continuing was unfaltering. We send his family and friends our prayers for healing and know that the memories and love we shared with David will sustain us through this difficult time. He was generous with his time to his students and cared about their lives. He shared his knowledge, expertise and love of social work and its values of service, connections and transformation with passion. David we will miss you and you will always be a part of the SSW legacy. Our live and deepest gratitude dear friend
Monique Douyon
August 18, 2026, 2:30 am
M’y dear brother in Carmel, the moment you prepared for with such faithfulness has arrived. You have met the Lord, your Beloved! May He open wide His arms to receive you home. You have been an inspiration for our Secular Carmelite community. You will be greatly missed. See you at our Father’s house!
Bob and Laurie Harris
August 19, 2026, 5:33 pm
May everlasting light shine on David’s soul, O Lord, with all thy saints in heaven, for thou art merciful. Grant him eternal rest and may everlasting light shine upon him. Lux aeterna, luceat eis. Bob and I send our condolences to David’s family and David, we hope you are now seated at the eternal and everlasting banquet table of the Lord. We will miss you so much and appreciated your insights and joy of the Lord never we saw you! Rest in peace 😞🙏❤️✝️
Lisa Preston
August 28, 2026, 7:27 pm
I an so sorry to hear that David has passed away! We were good friends in our Chapel Hill days! Sadly, over the years, we lost touch with each other! I have fond memories of him! I am keeping you and your family in ny prayers
Lisa Preston