John W. Downey, 83, Warren, PA., died Friday morning, March 7, 2014 after an illness of the past year and a half. He was born March 31, 1930 in Wilkinsburg, PA. He was the son of the late John T. and Wilhelmina Zurn Downey. John was a Warren area resident for the past 44 years. He was a 1948 graduate of Turtle Creek High School and attended Carnegie Tech. where he was educated in Drafting. He had served with the U.S. Army as a Specialist 3, serving in the infantry from October 14, 1954 until he was honorably discharged October 9, 1956. He was employed at Westinghouse Electric, Universal Standard, Inc., Simplex Machine Tool, Warren Corp, Mine Safety Appliance Co., where he served in numerous occupations of detail draftsman, product tool and layout draftsman and chief draftsman. He had served as President of his own company working with a friend, with Patent Drawings and Mold Designs. He retired from Whirley Drink Works as Vice President of Engineer/Designs department after 42 years employment.

During his lifetime, he was an accomplished artist, creating artwork with oil and acrylic paints, he enjoyed archery and fencing. He was always a creative thinker who had a great sense of humor. He had a great ability to pass on to his family, friends and those he touched, his Christian influence and upbringing. He was proud of his family and especially had a great love of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Renate M. Gauck Downey whom he married March 18, 1957 in Worms, Germany, 7 Children – Mary Boyles and husband, Raymond of Titusville, PA., Theresa Darling and husband, Reginald of Warren, PA., Kathleen Tabol and husband, Mitch of Cleveland, OH., Karl H. Downey and wife, Michele of France, Kevin T. Downey and wife, Amy of Warren, PA., Paul M. Downey and wife, Elizabeth of Tiverton, RI., Michael Downey of Westfield, N.J., 1 Sister – Mary Capalongo of McKeesport, PA., 4 Brothers – Paul Downey and wife, Phyllis of Navarre, FL., Patrick Downey and wife, Linda of N. Richland Hills, TX., Larry Downey and wife, Jane of Austin, PA., Joseph Downey of Butler, PA., longtime and very good friends, Robert Sokolski, Bruce Shreves and Lynn Schnarrs, 14 Grandchildren and 18 Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 son – John F. Downey who died January 27, 1980, 1 Grandson – Justin Downey, 1 Granddaughter – Angela Swanson, 2 Sisters – Kathleen Ricci, Dorothy Pantalone.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. Monday, March 10, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a vigil service will be conducted 7:45 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell Street, Warren, PA. Fr. James Gutting, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. Funeral Detail and the U.S. Army Personnel. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Holy Redeemer Church Building Fund or the Warren Salvation Army, 311 Beech Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com