Allison H. MacDowell

Allison H. MacDowell, 81, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Sunday at St. Joseph’s Health Hospital with his children at his side.

Born in Syracuse, Allison was a proud 1961 graduate of West Genesee High School. In his early 30s, he moved to Franklin, MA, later relocating to Manassas, VA, in his early 50s. Allison retired in 2005 as division chief from the Federal Railroad Administration after 31 years. He had worked with the railroad his entire career at both the local and federal level. Following his retirement, Allison returned to Syracuse to care for his parents, a testament to his deep sense of family and responsibility.

Allison was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing and loved fishing along the St. Lawrence River with his family. He loved spending time at camp in Cape Vincent, NY, with family. A lifelong car enthusiast, he especially cherished his beloved 1964 Volkswagen Beetle. He enjoyed taking it to local car shows and making new “Beetle” friends. He also had a passion for trains, which sparked his curiosity and joy from a young age.

Allison will be remembered for his quiet dedication, warm presence, kindness, unexpected sense of humor, and the simple pleasures he found in the things he loved most. He was a lifetime sports fan and fervently followed the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Syracuse University and NASCAR.

Allison was predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Arlene; and sister, Debora Wicks-MacDowell.

Surviving are his son, Shawn (Deborah); daughters, Dawn (Byron Fischer) MacDowell and Amy MacDowell; grandchildren, Shannon (Sean) Beiter, Chance (Jordan) Russell, and Cooper MacDowell; brother, Richard (Linda); sister, Barbara Spencer; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.