Michael L. Dowling, 66, of Hamden, loving husband of Lauretta Schmidt Dowling, passed away on November 19, 2025. He was born in New Haven on August 10, 1959, a son of the late Edward and Patricia Dowling. In addition to his wife, Michael is survived by his sons, Michael (Sara), Steven, and Daniel Dowling, his adored grandchildren, Sofia and Andrew Dowling, his brothers, Edward, Paul (Debra), and David (Natasha) Dowling, sisters-in-law, Annelouise (Pam) Schmidt, Greta Heath and fiancé Steven Bourgeois, and Heidi (David) Law, nieces, Jordan and Caitlin Law, and nephews, Tommy Heath, and Jack Dowling.

After many years working as a florist with his father at Dowling Florence Flowers, a family business, he began a new life working on the railroad where he made lifelong friends. His favorite times were spent with family and friends on the road; going on bike trips and camping with the RV. As a former Green Dragon, he remained a loyal fan. Above all, he loved spending time with his loving family and his granddogs, Shea and Maxwell.

Friends are invited to visit with Michael's family on Friday, November 28th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29th at 9:30 a.m. in St. Rita Church-St. Paul VI Parish, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Michael's memory may be made to American Lab Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 215, Willington, CT 06279, www.americanlabrescue.com . To send condolences, please see his obituary at: www.beecherandbennett.com.