Obituary of Melissa Dowd

Melissa Dowd—of Cranford, New Jersey—peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was 53 years old. 

Melissa is survived by her three sons, Owen Dowd, Griffin Dowd, and Declan Dowd; her husband, Brian Dowd; her parents, Paul and Maryann Nittoly; her brother, Matthew Nittoly, his wife Sonia, and their three children Mia, Chloe, and Brooklyn; her aunt, Michele Cinicolo; her four cousins, Michael Loikith and his wife Maria, Angela Salvato, Luciana Mullman, and Linda Nilsen; several extended family members; and many dear friends. 

She was predeceased by her grandparents, Michael & Lucille Racioppi; and her aunt, Linda Loikith. 

Melissa was born in Summit and raised in Springfield and Mountainside, with her brother Matthew. She graduated at the top of her high school class at the Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station and went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in sociology and nursing from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Melissa had a long career as a registered nurse at St. Barnabas Medical Center in the Dialysis & Kidney department, where she ascended to the position of Renal Transplant Coordinator. After stepping away from nursing to raise her growing family, Melissa began a second career as a preschool teacher at Helen K. Baldwin and Kinderprep schools. 

Melissa’s sons meant the world to her. She was an incredible mother, the ultimate caregiver—always putting the lives of others before her own. She consistently strove to better the world around her. Melissa devoted her entire life to helping young children and the sick. Hundreds of preschool students were fortunate to learn some of life’s first and most important lessons from Melissa, and her many patients got to feel her compassionate touch and thoughtful care in their greatest time of need.

Melissa was—and will always be fondly remembered as—a beautiful and truly selfless woman with a precious and glowing smile. She simply loved life. Melissa loved to constantly try new things; she loved to go on adventures, and she loved life’s simple pleasures—namely, going outside for a walk around the block or reading a good book. Most importantly, she cherished the happy times with her family and friends, who enjoyed her infectious laugh. Melissa will always live in the hearts of all those she left behind. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Melissa on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dooley Colonial Funeral Home, 556 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ 07090.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s RC Church, 40 Alden St, Cranford, NJ 07016. 

Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield New Jersey.