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
We enjoyed knowing your John so much. What a nice man he was!
We send our love and best wishes and prayers for your family.
Blessings,
Eric and Jackie Sandblade
Dear Eric and Jackie,
Thanks so much for acknowledging your admiration for my father. I know he valued your friendship and shared experiences.
RIP my friend. You will always be remembered and missed. Our prayers for Renete and family. I am still in shock.
Mary and the entire Downey family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Prayers go out for you.
Kevin and family. It’s been many years since I have seen John but I will never forget what a kind and thoughtful man he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marc McChesney
Minnesota
Thanks so much for remembering my father, Marc. It means a lot to me…
We want to extend our deepest condolences to Paul, Liz,Sarah,Mia and all of the Downey family
With out knowing your dad, husband ,grandpa I’m sure he was a fine man and loving to you all. May he rest in eternal peace with out suffering and illness and shine down on you all!
Shari Shawn Jacob Chuck Connie Devin
Kevin, Amy & Family –
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in the loss of your Dad. In our thoughts & prayers, praying that God will give you the peace & comfort your hearts desire.
Peggy & Bill
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, Peggy and bill. Months have passed but our loss is still fresh…
To Kevin and the Downey family……….so sorry to hear of John’s passing.
Uncle Jack was always such a kind and patient man. Our deepest sympathies go out to Aunt Renata and their children and grandchildren.
Laurie (Pantalone) Shoemaker
Dear Laurie, I am sorry to say I am just now responding to your thoughtful condolences. Know that we love you and your sympathy is much appreciated. I hope you and your family are well.
We are saddened to learn of John’s passing. We were next door neighbors for some 12 years on Conewango Avenue and knew John , Renata and their family well. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Dear Judy and Al,
Sadly I am just now addressing these posts from from dear and thoughtful friends.
Thank you so much for being friends over the years. I will never forget your kindness and generosity.
Love to you both,
~Terry
Even tho’ it’s been quite some time, I remember John well and so sad to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Thank you for your sympathy, Anne. I am sorry it has taken this long to respond to your thoughtfulness.
Kevin, Amy and kids,
The world will be a sadder place without John and his sense humor. We both worked with him for over 20 yrs, and have been friends with all of you for a long time, we know you will carry that on. Your entire family has our condolences’.
Dear Sean and Kerry,
We were all blessed with Dad’s humor, generosity and kindness. Thank you for your sincere condolences. They are meaningful.
Kevin, Amy & family,
John Downey will be sadly missed, what a wonderful and fun person. God Bless you and give you strength for the loss.
Most Sincerely, Renee
John was a true mentor and friend for 34 years. His kind heart and warm words inspired me daily. His impact on others in this world is much more than one will ever know. I am so fortunate to have been blessed in knowing him.
Dear John, We are grateful for your thoughtful post and acknowledgement of our father’s positive influence in your life. Thank you so much, ~Terry Darling (John’s daughter)
I miss you dad….
Yup, it’s tough going, Sis! Know that I love you. ~T