David H. Dowling, 80, died September 3 at his home in Onset, unexpectedly. He was born in Dorchester and was the son of the late George C. & Katherine (Welsh) Dowling.

Mr. Dowling was a graduate of Dorchester High School and Boston University, where he was graduating class president. Mr. Dowling then received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School.

Mr. Dowling served as Massachusetts Senate Counsel for more than 25 years. Prior to his position with the Commonwealth, he was partner in the law firm Gilbody, Kennealy, Dowling and Finnegan.

Mr. Dowling was also a founding member of McKeon Post #146 in Dorchester.

Survivors include his children, Regina Cochrane and Siobhan Dowling both of Onset, Tara Dowling of Weymouth, Deidre Dowling de Salvador of Topsfield, and Paul Dowling of Dorchester; his brother, Justin Dowling of Quincy and his grandchildren, Devin Harkins, Adrienne Cochrane, Aeden Salvador, Jordan Mavilia, Aaliyah Tropeano, and Romeo and Chase Trezon. He was predeceased by his son, Sean Dowling, and his brother, Richard Dowling.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham at 3:00 PM. Friends and relatives are invited to visit from 1:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will be private.

For directions and on-line obituary please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.