Ralph Joseph Dowlin, a popular Claremont man, died Friday, April 15, 2011 at the age of 59.

He was born in Newport, NH and spent his early years there before moving to Claremont, where he graduated from Stevens High School in 1969.

He was the son of Ralph and Evelene Dowlin. His siblings were Richard, Everlene, Beverly, Linda and Barbara.

In recent years, he enjoyed living at Sugar River Mills in Claremont. A highlight of most of his days in the community was his visit to Leo’s Market to visit with the staff and customers.

During his career he held many blue collar jobs at Dartmouth Woolen, Claremont Flock and Dorr Woolen.

Ralph was a member of the Claremont Polish-American Club, the VFW and the American Legion.

At some unknown period in his life, he attended a culinary institute from which he sadly admitted he did not graduate from.

Sports were a big part of his life. As a youngster he played everyday. Later he was an excellent pitcher on his factory league softball teams. He coached youth basketball at St. Mary’s. His son Ben was on his 1984 championship little league team. He was passionate about the Dallas Cowboys, Boston Celtics and the Red Sox.

He had two children with his late wife, Debora; April and Benjamin. He thought of his son-in-law, Arthur Sanborn as his own offspring. He had 7 grandchildren; Isabelle, Benjamin, Thomas and Hunter Dowlin, Alycia, Alexis and Arthur Sanborn.

Graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont on Thursday, April 21^st at 4PM.

Immediately following, family and friends are invited to a get together at the First Baptist Church, on the corner of Central and Main Streets in Claremont, NH.

This obituary was written by his Close friend and Neighbor Roger Small.