Michael (Mike) G. Dowdy was born August 15, 1959 in Knoxville, Tennessee and was raised in West Melbourne, Florida, in a wonderful foster family.  He passed away on October 20, 2024 while in the hospital for a previously undetected and aggressive cancer.   

After graduation from Melbourne High School , Mike served in the U.S. Navy for 15 years as a jet engine mechanic and ended his naval career as a petty officer second class.  He enjoyed his time in the Navy and was fondly called Papa Smurf by his men.  He loved traveling the seas and exploring new ports of call. 

After leaving the Navy, Mike returned to his hometown and continued to work while raising his family.  He enjoyed all sports and excelled at them from an early age.  It’s been said that he was a natural athlete.  In his later years, he enjoyed golf and fishing. 

Mike was a member of American Legion Post 117 and truly enjoyed spending time there with his friends and playing pool. Every year, he looked forward to the veterans' fishing trip. He also liked to dress in costume and play characters in murder mystery dinners.  He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.

Mike loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed going to the beach with his sons, daughters and grandkids.  He had a lot of fun going to concerts with his brother-in-law, Chris Sherer and his wife, Melissa.  He also loved all of his pets and is greatly missed by his beloved Petey. 

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Dee Scavelli, sons Joshua Dowdy (Dayanna), Matthew Dowdy (Christine) and Ramon Scavelli (Cecilia), daughters Tory Pacetti (Steven) and Katrina Prats (Michael), brothers Edward Blum, Dana Martin (Verna), and Brad Martin (Peter), sisters Robin Checkwicz (Edward), Cecilia Smith and sister-in-law Lynda Padrta, and 13 grandchilden and 3 great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his foster parents Lloyd and Marleen Martin, his sister Dawn Blum and his brother Alan Martin. 

Thank you for loving and caring for us all.  We will remember your spirit all the days of our lives. We love and miss you dearly. 

A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.  As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Mike’s name.