John N. McDowell, Jr.

John (Jack) Nelson McDowell Jr., age 88, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, January 8, 2025, in Keene, NH. Jack was born in Philadelphia, PA to John Nelson and Irene (Barbin) McDowell. Jack’s mother died in 1939. His father later married Mary (Burnett) McDowell and they raised Jack and his sister Nancy in Newark, DE. After graduating from Newark High School, he was a 1958 graduate of the University of New Hampshire where he played varsity lacrosse and received the honor of “Distinguished Military Student” in ROTC. He later earned his Master of Science degree in public relations from Boston University, being the first part-time student to do so. After college, Jack married his college sweetheart, Suzanne McKenna and they raised three children. Although the marriage ended in divorce, they both remarried. In 1999, Jack married Barbara (Cary) Morrison and they lived Bethlehem, PA. Jack began his active military service as a student pilot and Army Field Artillery Officer from 1958-1961. He continued his military service in the National Guard and Reserves retiring from the military in 1990 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jack was an active member of the Military Officers of America in Bethlehem, PA. Jack’s early employment as a civilian included public relations and marketing for various organizations including Public Service Company of NH, University of New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania Power and Light. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to pursue his interest in the financial management profession. He was a financial planner and advisor for more than 25 years prior to his retirement. Always one who believed in keeping active, Jack spent many hours on the golf course, tennis courts, and skiing. He enjoyed skiing with his children as they grew up and later with his grandchildren. He was a ski instructor at Camelback in the Poconos and a referee for youth lacrosse. Jack was very competitive, often challenging his grandchildren to a game of golf or basketball. Jack enjoyed participating in various community and church activities throughout the Lehigh Valley. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem. He loved to travel, especially to visit family, but also was able to enjoy visits to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii. His last trip to Europe was at 81 with his grandson, Justin, to explore France, Germany, and Slovenia with a visit to the D-Day memorial being the highlight. Jack will be remembered for his love of life, optimistic viewpoint- always seeing the glass “half full”, a marvelous big smile, a keen sense of humor, and hardy laugh- often at himself. He is survived by his children- Deborah (James) Clemente of Spofford, NH; daughter, Donna (Matthew) Griffin of Quicksburg, VA; and son, John N. McDowell III of Tampa, FL; his sister, Nancy (Albert) McDowell of Hockessin, DE; his step- children, Elizabeth Morrison and (Rahul Kuver) of Boise, ID; Suzanne Morrison of Philadelphia PA; and Timothy (Kris) Morrison of Hastings, MN; 7 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his second wife, Barbara (Cary) McDowell; and his first wife, Suzanne (McDowell) Aschenbach. His parents, John N. McDowell, and Irene (Barbin) McDowell, and Mary (Brunett) McDowell. There will be no calling hours, and a private interment service will take place in the Hart’s Church cemetery in Northeast, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, 2344 Center St. Bethlehem, PA. 18017. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.

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John N. McDowell, Jr.

October 30, 1936 - January 8, 2025