Legendary Norman Dow Passes

Norman Dow, 54, known for over 35 years as half of The Dow Twins, New York City’s premier team of African-American party planners has died. Dow first collapsed on November 4th while hosting an annual soiree at the Copacabana. He was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent’s Hospital, where he was treated and released by the cardiac care unit. His brother, Harold, circulated an email on the 9th which reported that his twin was resting comfortably at home, but tragically, Norman nonetheless passed away unexpectedly the next day.

Born in Queens, Norman and his ever-present sibling began their long career as entrepreneurs while attaining their B.S. at St. John's University They established themselves in the Seventies as the management team behind such social events at such celebrated New York nightspots as Othello's and Leviticus. Later, Justine's would serve as their flagship during a golden era in Black nightlife in the tri-state area. The club blossomed into a social/business-networking hub, a place to socialize, dance and meet new friends, as well as business associates.

Continuously reinventing themselves, these visionaries demonstrated the acumen and expertise to create and implement strategies for reaching out to and securing new markets while maintaining the dedication and commitment of existing ones. Perhaps their best-known special event has been the now 20th annual fete aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Intrepid Air • Sea • Space Museum docked in New York City. Other significant social venues in New York, where their business began and established a foothold included Studio 54, the South Street Seaport, The Red Parrot, The Waldorf-Astoria, the Iron Horse at Penn Station, The Palladium and The Old Copacabana.

Ever mindful of their commitment to give back to the community, the Twins participated in fund-raisers for many worthy causes over the years, including benefits for the New York Urban League, The Minisink Boy's, The Urban Network, The College Fund/UNCF, The Dave Winfield Foundation, The Negro Ensemble Co, Men Who Cook, Pathways for Youth, The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The USS Intrepid Foundation, The Jackie Robinson Foundation and St. John's University Alumni Association.

They also established the Reginald N. Dow Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually in memory of their father.
Besides his twin brother, Harold, Norman is survived by his mother, Mrs. Evelyn S. Dow. In lieu of flowers, they request that you make a donation in his honor to: The Norman S. Dow Fund, P.O. Box 8708 JA Farley Station. NYC, New York 10116 – 8708. 

Wednesday, November 16.  2p - 5p Viewing at Allen Cathedral Church
5p - 7p  Service  110 - 31 Merrick Blvd., St Albans, NY
Repass at The Proper Cafe following service 217 - 01 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights, Queens Thursday, November 17
Internment: 10am Rockville Cemetery in Lynbrook