John L. McDowell of West Valley, NY passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023 in his residence at the age of 91.
He was born August 11, 1931 in Buffalo, NY a son of the late James and Tecora (Pope) McDowell. He was a Fair Housing Specialist for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in Buffalo. Post retirement, he worked at Wegman's in Buffalo in the meat department. He enjoyed fishing and golfing, and was an overall fan of all sports, especially the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, he was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in West Valley, and was a United States Marine Veteran and served from 1956-1958.
He is survived by his wife, Elise (Cerabone) McDowell, whom he married August 28, 1993 in Buffalo. He is also survived by his children: Donald Draine of Buffalo, Geoffrey (Yaritza) Draine of West Valley, and Dalena Nguyen of Buffalo; sister, Naomi McDowell Byrd of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Isabella Draine-Soto, Daniel Pham-Nguyen, and Cynthia Pham-Nguyen; brothers-in-law: Michael (Rose) Cerabone of Angola, NY, and Dennis Hauri of West Valley; sister-in-law, Valerie Cerabone Perez of Houston, TX; And many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, and friends
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings: Alberta McDowell Harrison, Elizabeth McDowell, James (Mack) McDowell, Lawrence McDowell, Florence McDowell, Bernard McDowell, Sylvester McDowell, Teresa McDowell, and Katie McDowell.
Friends may call on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home, 271 E. Main St. Springville, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Final interment will be held in St. John's Cemetery in West Valley.
Memorials may be made to Homecare and Hospice, 1225 W. State St. Olean, NY 14760, or to a charity of your choice.