David Stirling Dow, age 50, died on Monday, August 17, 2015 in his home on Hidden Road in Andover, MA, following a long battle with stomach cancer.

The son of the late, James Kimball Dow, Jr.,Mr. Dow is survived by his mother Katherine Stirling Dow; his brother Michael S. Dow; his uncle Thomas Luke Stirling; his cousins Peter Freeman, Rachel Dow, Courtney Dow LaBonte, and Laura Stirling; and by a multitude of friends.

Born October 16, 1964 at Lawrence General Hospital, David grew up in Andover, attending Bancroft Elementary and East Junior High, and Governor Dummer Academy before earning a BA in history at Bradford College. Professionally, he worked for Knight Tuition Payment Plans from 1988 to 1995 and then for Putnam Investments from 1996 to 2009. Over the past few years, he divided his time between caring for his ailing parents and learning to paint, which he did with increasing skill and grace. David was a quiet, reserved person, who listened attentively, spoke carefully, and thought deeply. He struggled throughout his life with anxiety, especially socially, and sometimes despaired of forming meaningful connections with others. It was perhaps because of this that he was kind and generous whenever possible, and profoundly appreciated the many friends he made at work and through his support for the arts.

David was a member of the Andover Artists Guild, the Museum Of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Boston Atheneum, and the American Civil Liberties Union, as well a donor to many liberal causes and an avid fan of the Professional Left and Stephanie Miller. Along with his brother, he was part of owner of Modern Myths Comics & Games in Northampton, MA and Mamaroneck, NY.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29th at 11 AM at Christ Church 29 Central Street, Andover, MA, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private burial will be held at Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence. Donations in his name may be made to the ACLU and the MFA. Arrangements are by The Charles Dewhirst Andover Funeral Home, 33 Pearson St., Andover.  To send an online condolence,please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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