Korean War veteran and 60 year tugboat captain dies at 91

William E. “Bill” Dowling Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the age 91, on Aug. 3, 2020. A sixty-year resident of Baldwin, Bill was born in Brooklyn, NY, on Aug. 9, 1930, the oldest of four children born to William and Ruth Dowling. He was a proud combat veteran of the Korean War, attached to the 187th RCT of the 11th Airborne, known as the celebrated “Rakkasans.”

During the Korean War, the 187th was the only airborne unit sent there, and operated as an airborne regimental combat team, complete with its own direct support artillery battalions. The nickname “Rakkasans” is derived from the Japanese word for parachute, literally meaning, “umbrella for falling.” The name was given to the 187th during its tour in occupied Japan following World War II.

He was retired from McAllister Towing and Transportation Company, where he served in various positions, including tugboat captain, in a career that spanned six decades. Beloved husband for 64 years of Kathleen and loving father of Mary Gale and Grace Hackett.

Adored grandfather to Sean, Danielle, Diana, Brian, William, Joseph, Madeleine, Bridget Kathleen, Faith, Hannah, Shannon, Bernadette, James, George, and Jack and beloved great-grandfather to William and Alfred.

The Dowling family wrote online, “They don’t make them like Dad anymore; he will be missed by everyone. Bill touched the lives of many and was truly loved by all those who were fortunate to know him.” He was a devoted member of the Parish of St. Christopher’s and laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery.