Mr. Frederick “Rick” B. McDowell, 68, of Ellwood City passed away on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Rick was born on November 15th, 1952 in New Castle to Boyd and Mary Ellen (Vogt) McDowell. Rick graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1971, and attended the Beaver County Community College. In his younger years Rick worked at Beatrice’s Gas Station in Ellwood City and New Castle and then for Jim Beatrice’s Food Supply. He then worked at his family’s business “McDowell’s Hotel” on Lawrence Avenue as a manager. Following that, Rick went on to work at McElwain Motors as a salesman for 12 years, and then retired from The North Star Car Dealership in Zelienople where he worked as a salesman for 20 years. He was a past-member of the Son’s of Italy #608 and the Ellwood City Saxon’s Club. An outdoorsman, Rick enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, boating, and swimming. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan, and loved to be around his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine (Minnocci) McDowell of Ellwood City, whom he married on April 14th, 1976, his mother, Mary Ellen McDowell of Ellwood City, his son Josh (Kathy) McDowell of Ellwood City, his brother, Wade McDowell of Ellwood City and his grandchildren, Adrian Alvarez, Pierce McDowell, and Aleck McDowell. He is also survived by his brothers- in-law; Marty (Dusty) Minnocci of Beaver Falls and Sammy (Jill) Minnocci of Windsor Locks, CT, along with 4 nieces and 1 nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father, Boyd McDowell, his sister-in-law, Karen Hull, and his in-laws, Sam and Alma Minnocci.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic there will not be a public visitation, a memorial service for Rick will be held at a later date. The Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. has been entrusted with Rick’s final arrangements.
Memorial Contributions in Rick’s name may be made to the Holy Redeemer Social Services.
4 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Elaine and family, I hope this note helps you find some peace from our loss. I just got back from mass and thinking of all the memories is very sentimental. In the catholic faith we believe in life everlasting.
A ship sails and I stand watching till she fades on the horizon. And someone at my side says, “She’s gone. Gone where? I wonder. Gone from my sight, that’s all. For she is just as large as when I saw her. Her diminished size, and the eventual total loss from my sight is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says “She is gone”, There are others who are watching her coming and other voices that take up a glad shout and say, “There she comes! And that is dying. We will continue to pray for you and your families daily. AN IRISH, “SLAN CHA” , Love, Kevin Shingleton
Dear Elaine,
I was so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. You have my deepest sympathy. You’ll be in my prayers.
Kathy Feerst D’Biagio
Dear Elaine and Family. Judi, Anthony and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during this time. Take good care of yourselves. Sincerely, Tony Lagana
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