04/09/2026
It is with sincere sadness that I share the news of the passing of Past International President Thomas (Joe) Dowdell. A kind, soft spoken soul who contributed so much to IOBG through the Officer positions and legal council as well as being a friend, a leader, a mentor, an accomplished championship sport fish champion and more.
Please join me in observing and remembering Commodore Dowdell. He will be missed.
Obituary
Thomas Joseph “Joe” Dowdell, III
October 28, 1939 – April 6, 2026
Thomas Joseph “Joe” Dowdell, III, a lifelong Floridian, passed away on April 6, 2026. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Joe graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1957, earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1962, and received his law degree from the University of Miami in 1965. In 1966, he moved to Marathon, Florida, where he practiced law for more than three decades until his retirement in 2002.
Joe’s love of fishing began at age five in Biscayne Bay and quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Beginning in 1950, he spent his summers fishing in Marathon, often staying on Conch Key. He went on to become a dedicated competitor in the Marathon Fishing Tournaments. In 1972, Joe earned the prestigious Triple Crown Award for achieving the highest combined points in the Bonefish, Tarpon, and Cay Sal Billfish tournaments.
A worldclass angler, Joe expanded his fishing adventures in the 1980s, traveling to the Yucatán, Costa Rica, Cocos Island, Guatemala, Mazatlán, Panama, and near the Galápagos Islands. He even competed in the Rolex Billfish Tournament in Australia. Remarkably, Joe caught every billfish recognized by the International Game Fish Association—twice—and then began catching them again using fly rods.
Beyond fishing, Joe was deeply engaged in his community. He was a proud member of the Marathon Yacht Club since 1968, serving twice as Commodore and on many committees. He was a past president of the International Order of the Blue Gavel, and member of the Elks Club. Joe also loved dancing and live music and could often be found enjoying evenings at favorite local spots such as the Dockside, Havana Jack’s, and Skipjack’s Resort. Known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and genuine love of learning, Joe made friends wherever he went.
Joe was predeceased by his life partner of 30 years, June Thacker, in 2020. He is survived by his children, Linda Dowdell Mazzeo and Thomas J. Dowdell, IV; his soninlaw, Joe Mazzeo; and his three beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, and Michael Mazzeo, of Atlanta. He is also survived by his siblings; Del Miller, Ted Dowdell, Don Dowdell and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
