Biography

Jack E. Dawson, (LCDR, USN(R), ret.), 92, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on April 17, 2012 at Crestwood Health Care Facility after a brief illness. Mr. Dawson was born in Charleston, West Virginia on April 6, 1920, son of the late Alexander and Erna (Hartfuer) Dawson. His family moved to Buffalo, NY when he was 5. Over his lifetime, Mr. Dawson also resided in Illinois, Florida, and North Tonawanda.
Mr. Dawson attended schools in Buffalo and graduated from Canisius College in 1942. He married Dorothy Bowen of Niagara Falls in 1944 with whom he enjoyed 63 years of loving marriage until her passing in 2007. Mr. Dawson served as a mine warfare officer in the United States Navy Reserve from 1942-46 in the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters and commanded the Naval Reserve unit at Fort Niagara, NY, having attained the rank of Lt. Commander at his honorable discharge in 1955.
Mr. Dawson worked early in his career with his father-in law, Elmer, in construction. He spent the majority of his career in the chemical industry, attaining the positions of safety supervisor, director of administration, and plant manager before his retirement in 1982. Jack was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Church and Elks Lodge #346 in Niagara Falls. He enjoyed gardening, loved animals, and above all enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a proud supporter of many veterans’ organizations and charities.
Mr. Dawson is survived by five children, Karen (Medard) Lisiak of N. Tonawanda, Cheryl (late Daniel) Proctor of Rochester, Doreen (late David) Hoppy of Getzville, Terry (Richard) Carroll of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Gary Dawson of Arlington, VA; seven grandchildren, Gregory (Susan) Stevenson, Kathryn (Oliver) Schlieben, David Lisiak, Jason Lisiak, Megan (Mark) Fasolino, Aaron Hoppy and Allison Carroll; and four great grandchildren, Victoria Stevenson, Elizabeth Stevenson, Rocco Schlieben, and Chase Fasolino. Jack is also survived by his loving sister-in-law, Rose Carberry of Ransomville and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by one sister, Alexandra.
Friends may call at the LANE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 8622 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY (283-9660) on Friday, April 20, from 2:00-4:30 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM where prayers will be said Saturday, April 21st at 10:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment will be at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum in Lewiston, at a graveside service to include full military honors. In addition, Elks Lodge #346 will conduct a memorial ceremony at the funeral home at 7:30 PM on Friday, April 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave a personal message for the family, please visit www.lanefuneralhome.com.