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Mailing Address
171 Moultrie St
Charleston, SC  29409

Physical Address
Holliday Alumni Center
69 Hagood Ave
Charleston, SC  29403

Hours
Monday–Friday: 8:30AM–5:00PM

Phone
843-953-7696

Email
[email protected]

Staff Contact Information

The Citadel Alumni Association
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  • About
    • Alumni Awards
      • Awards Nomination
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • District Director of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Big Red Flag
      • Big Red Print
    • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Director Policy and Handbook
      • Meeting Minutes
      • Past Presidents
      • Strategic Plan 2026
    • Elections
      • 2025 Candidates
    • Frequently Asked Question
    • Holliday Alumni Center
      • Alumni Courtyard Bricks
      • Photo Gallery
      • Courvoisie Banquet Hall
      • Grand Foyer
      • LeTellier Alumni Courtyard
      • McKissick Library
      • Renken Dining Room
      • Scarborough Media Room
      • Tilghman Courtyard
      • Rental Information
    • Join CAA
    • Life Member Card and Decal Request
    • Life Membership Payment
    • Merchandise
      • Licensed Vendors
    • Mission and Bylaws
    • Staff
    • Sword Legacy Program
      • Legacy Swords
    • Alumni Travel
  • The Ring
    • Band of Gold Program
      • Band of Gold and Your Will
    • Class Ring Resize and Remake
    • Class Ring Policies
    • Order a Class Ring
    • Order Class Jewelry
    • Ring and Jewelry Prices
  • Network
    • 2025 Alumni Directory Project
    • Alumni Directory
    • CAA Legislative Barbecue
    • Career Network
    • Citadel Alumni Recruiters
      • Alumni Recruiter Interest Form
    • Citadel Alumni Mobile App
    • Join CAA
  • Clubs & Classes
    • The Citadel Muster
    • Cadet Sendoffs
      • 2025 Cadet Sendoff Registration
    • Citadel Clubs
    • Class Information
    • 2025 Gold Corps Reunion Weekend
    • Email and Calendar Request
    • Gold Star Club Requirements
    • Homecoming
  • News & Stories
    • Alumni Awards
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • District Director of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Alumni News & Archives
    • Distinguished Alumni
      • Alumni Achievement
      • DCA Nomination Form
      • Distinguished List
      • DCA Procedure Guide
      • General and Flag Officers
      • Notable Alumni List
    • Taps
    • The Ultimate Sacrifice
    • Announce a Birth
    • Announce a Marriage
    • Provisional Appointment
    • Share a Personal Achievement
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Login

John H. O’Dowd, Jr., ’71

John H. O’Dowd, of Cuttingsville, Vt., died suddenly on December 10, 2022. He went for a walk with his beloved wife on a beautiful sunny day and didn’t come back. We are heartbroken at his sudden absence and comforted that he did not suffer or linger. Renamed by his grandson as “Bop,” he became “Bop” to all.

A northern transplant with deep southern roots, Bop grew up on the beaches of South Carolina, loved BBQ and his mama and was forever on the quest for a proper glass of unsweetened iced tea. Proud of his military education (The Citadel) and service in the army (Ranger school, 82nd Airborne Division and the JAG core), John was an open and progressive thinker who supported public services and justice. Following his military service, John was a private practice defense attorney, became an author, earned a black belt in karate, and was an advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

A lawyer through and through, John loved to argue, debate, rile and question. While he wasn’t aiming to hurt feelings, our Bop wasn’t particularly concerned with causing offense. Outgoing, outrageous and loud, with a quirky sense of humor, Bop wasn’t for the faint of heart but always found his champions. Beneath all the bluster lived a remarkably kind and sensitive soul. This was most apparent with his grandson and granddaughter, whom he shamelessly adored. He gloried in their growth, intelligence and development. In return, they were among Bop’s fiercest advocates and vocal cheerleaders. As an accomplished writer, it was particularly important to him that his grandchildren read avidly, think deeply and write with style and intelligence. Still in the game, Bop wrote a daily haiku, was part of a community writing group and had embarked upon a new novel.

John was a survivor. He endured a brain tumor, two brain surgeries and their aftermath, hearing loss, thyroid cancer and A-fib. Through it all, he was supported and cared for by his wife of 52 years. They loved, fought, raised great kids, traveled the country and the world, created a beautiful home and took care of each other to the end. He loved his wife, his children, their respective spouses and his grandchildren, and he particularly loved it when they were all together. The eldest of five children, John loved all his siblings fiercely, even when it was ugly. Predeceased by his mother, whom he missed every day, and his youngest sister, John is survived and remembered fully, and ultimately fondly, by his wife; his son and daughter and their respective spouses; his grandson and granddaughter; his grand-dog; two sisters; one brother; and an extended network of friends, neighbors, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In conclusion, vote, think, speak your mind, TANSTAAFL, shut the door!, love ya mean it, never underestimate an old man from the Citadel, duct tape, cutoff sweatpants. We sure do miss the crazy old turtle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of John O’Dowd to the Shrewsbury Community Church (with a memo for the Helping Hand Fund), c/o Treasurer Karen Lorentz, 1300 CCC Rd., Shrewsbury, VT, 05738; or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Burlington, 16 South Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT, 05401, or visit rmhcvt.org and click the “Donate” tab.

Tags: 1971
Mr. Tnerb Richardson 2026

Citadel Alumni

Contact Us

Physical Address
Holliday Alumni Center
69 Hagood Ave
Across from Johnson Hagood Stadium

Phone
843.953.7696

Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00AM–5:00PM

About CAA

The Citadel Alumni Association is a self-supporting organization with the mission to support, advance and promote the ideals and purposes of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, the Corps of Cadets, and the Alumni.

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