Gerald C. "Jerry" McDowell

Gerald C. “Jerry” McDowell, 79, of Washington, formerly Houston, passed away peacefully Monday, February 26, 2018 in UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, following a two-week illness. 

He was born August 4, 1938 in Washington, a son of Robert H. and Catherine Marcella Kerrigan McDowell.

Mr. McDowell was a 1958 graduate of Washington High School and was a graduate of the Connelly Night School for Plumbing in Pittsburgh.

Jerry worked for John Bruno Plumbing and retired from Chapman Corporation in Washington where he had worked for over 30 years.

He was a 50-year member of the Plumbers Local #27 in Pittsburgh. His other memberships included the Houston Independent Club, American Legion Post #175 in Washington and Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge #2188, Bradenton Beach, FL.

Jerry and his wife were snowbirds and have spent over 20 years wintering in Bradenton, FL

On November 21, 1959, he married Betty A. Conner who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Kathleen Rupprecht (Charles) of Houston and Michele Senay (Stanley) of Washington; three grandchildren, Jessica Fletcher (Mike), Kaitlyn Rupprecht and William Christopher Senay; a great-granddaughter, Audrey Fletcher; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are three brothers, Robert H. Jr., Walter T. and James T. McDowell; and two sisters, Lois Mirisciotta and Marilyn Gideon.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, Owner/Supervisor, 27 Cherry Ave., Houston, PA 15342, with Rev. Susan Petritis officiating.   The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Center Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

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