It is with great sadness and fond memories that we mourn the passing of Frank Dowd Jr. on November 1.

The Dowd Family sets the bar on voluntarism and philanthropy at the Y. Frank Dowd Jr. was one of four generations of Dowds to serve and to lead the YMCA of Greater Charlotte starting in 1887 when Frank’s grandfather, Willis Frank Dowd, served as Chair of the Building Committee.

Born in 1927, Frank was a 69-year veteran of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.  In a gesture symbolic of his deep commitment to the Y and to his community, Charlotte Pipe and the Dowd Foundation celebrated Frank’s 50 years of service at the company by making a special gift to the Y.

Today more than 3,000 people swim, cycle, play ball, work out and get healthy every day at the Dowd Y on East Morehead Street.

To say Frank Dowd Jr. and his family have been instrumental in shaping our organization would be an understatement. His decades of philanthropy, commitment to the Y’s mission, and unending work to make Charlotte a better place are just part of a deep and abiding family legacy that is truly extraordinary.

In remembering Frank Jr. we acknowledge a leader, gentleman, friend and force for good in our Y association and in our community.  He will be greatly missed.