A huge thank you to our friends and family who have contributed to remembering Gene and supporting his family during this difficult time.  
Genes brother and sister, nieces and nephews and  children and grandchildren truly appreciate the out pouring of love and support. The kind messages,  cards, dinners  and donations of support have eased our pain knowing so many loved him and his family.  The memorial  service  date to  celebrate his life,  and all other plans  and donations in his name will be announce shortly.  Again, we are humbled by the out pouring  love and support of all our friends and loved ones.

Orginal Message:
In lieu of flowers, or gifts this Navy Veteran needs funds for proper funeral. He had no  life insurance or savings. The last two years his money has gone to health costs while battling cancer and paying for daily living expenses on a fixed income. His family, including his children and brother and sister and loved ones started this gofunme to help cover additional costs to say farewell to Gene.

 Gene McDowell immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1951 coming over on the USS America . Growing up as the oldest child in a newly immigrated home in New Burgh, NY, Gene quickly learned to be a leader in his family. Joining the Navy and serving his new country , at the age of 18,  and then returning home to NY to build a family and chase the American dream, where he married and had two children. He raised the children mostly in S.Florida and lead a very full life there. In the late 1990,'s he became a grandfather (Poppy). He was a wonderful grandfather and both grandkids love him dearly.
Gene never met a stranger and loved life, offering a hug, smile, grand story or a joke to anyone who needed one. He is truly loved by so many. He will be greatly missed. Please consider saluting this veterans by making a donation to his final arrangements. Funds collected here will spefically go to a memorial service in his honor,  costs for announcements, and the remainder of funds will be gifted to the hospice center that took such good care of him and his family in his final days.