Peter L. McDowell, 86, passed away peacefully at home after a glorious Cape Cod Bay sunset on July 19, 2024. Born in Hyannis on June 5, 1938 to Walter and Anna McDowell, he was raised in Dennis, attended Dennis schools and graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1956. He went on to attend and graduated from the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan. He served as an officer in the Army Reserve National Guard until 1968 and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. In 1965 he established Peter McDowell Associates, real estate and construction business.

Peter began his 58 years of dedicated public service and volunteerism in 1965 when elected to the Dennis Planning Board. In 1972, he was elected Dennis Town Moderator and the first to appoint women tellers at his inaugural town meeting in March of 1972 and later appointed the first woman to serve on the Finance Committee in 1975. He served for 17 years as the Dennis Moderator, 20 years with a watchful eye towards keeping Dennis affordable on Dennis Finance Committee, and 15 years on the Dennis Water District Board of Water Commissioners.

In 1974 Peter was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives 4th Barnstable District and served two terms representing Dennis, Yarmouth and Brewster.

A life at full throttle included boundless energy, determination, strong work ethic, quick wit, Mr. Fix-It, twinkle of mischief in his eye, fast cars, archery, square dancing, skiing, boating, his 1945 Jeep, his beloved dogs and companions, time on the beach and fun. Peter enjoyed time at his slip and boating trips to Billingsgate Island, Marthas Vineyard and Montreal.

Peter is survived by his wife Kate Byron, his children Laura McDowell-May (Gerry), Mark, Patrick, and Daniel McDowell all of Dennis and 10 grandchildren: Miriam, Annalee and Jacquelyn May; Valerie, Matthew and Megan McDowell; Taylor and Patrick McDowell; and Anastasia and Benjamin McDowell. He is also survived by his sister Joy Boucher of Yarmouth Port, special grandniece Danielle McDowell, lifelong friend of 80 years David Broderick, along with many loved nephews, nieces, cousins, the Dr. Lord’s Road hood, many friends and business associates. All are blessed by his great stories and historic knowledge. He is predeceased by his brother Paul, his first wife Patricia (Kenney) McDowell, and his last boxer dog, Angel.

Most of the fun, adventures, antics and mischief cannot be printed, but as Uncle Dave says “if there was something stupid to do, we did it at least two times just to make sure the first time was valid”.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday July 30, 2024 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral service will be held on July 31, 2024 at 10:00 am in the Dennis Union Church, Route 6A, Dennis, MA.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Dennis Memorial Library, 1020 Old Bass River Rd. Dennis, MA 02638 or The Village Improvement Society of Dennis, P.O. Box 779, Dennis, MA 02638.

Peter was a long time friend to all of the Durhams. He was always willing to help. He did a lot for my father & Mother and brother, Billy. He was a big help to me selling and moving out furniture etc. at my mother's house after she passed. Bubba and Dan were favorites there too. I will pray for Peter. Kate sorry for your loss.