LOS ANGELES — Actor Tony Dow died Wednesday morning, according to a new post on his official Facebook page.
The post read in part:
“We have received confirmation from Christopher, Tony’s son, that Tony passed away earlier this morning, with his loving family at his side to see him through this journey.”
“We know that the world is collectively saddened by the loss of this incredible man. He gave so much to us all and was loved by so many ...”
“Words cannot express how much we will all feel his absence, but will cherish the memories he left to each and every one of us.”
The post asked for privacy for his family while they mourned and quoted his son as saying, ”Although this is a very sad day, I have comfort and peace that he is in a better place. He was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He was my coach, my mentor, my voice of reason, my best friend, my best man in my wedding, and my hero…”
On Tuesday morning, Dow’s management team announced his death on his official Facebook account, but the post was later deleted.
In a text message to Spectrum News, his son said Dow was “in his last hours.”
Dow was best known for playing Wally Cleaver — older brother to Jerry Mathers’ Beaver — in the iconic family sitcom “Leave It to Beaver.”
He had been battling a re-occurrence with cancer.
His TV brother took to social media just last week to ask for prayers for his longtime friend and did so again Tuesday after the original announcement was made.
“He was not only my brother on TV, but in many ways in life as well,” Mathers wrote on Facebook. “He was always the kindest, most generous, gentle, loving, sincere, and humble man, that it was my honor and privilege to be able to share memories together with for 65 years. Tony was so grateful for all of the love and support from our fans across the world.”
Dow is survived by his wife Lauren, his son and daughter-in-law Melissa, his granddaughter Tyla, his brother Dion and sister-in-law Judy.