-residence: 138 Long Hill Road
-lived most of his life in Wallingford
-died at home at the age of 91 years
-member of the Wallingford Fire Department for 54 year until retirement in 1940
-last four years of his service, was chief of the department
-member of the Wallingford Lodge of Elks
-parishioner of Holy Trinity Church

During the days when the American Red Cross ambulance was operated by the fire department, Mr. Downey was the driver.

Survivors include his three sons, Morton Downey, of New York City, nationally renowned singer; George Downey of West Hartford, and Edward Downey of North Haven; two daughters, Miss Helen Downey and Mrs. Edward Ferriere, both of Wallingford; two brothers, Edward Downey and Thomas Downey, both of Wallingford; two sisters, Mrs. Harry Mason of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Mrs. Henry Granucci of Wallingford; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Mass was held at Holy Trinity Church officiated by the Rev. John Shea. The Rev. Gilbert Cannon was deacon and the Rev. Jerome Cook, sub-deacon. Seated in the sanctuary was the Rt. Rev. Ladislaus Nowakowski of Middletown, formerly of this town. Burial was in St. John's Cemetery with committal prayers read by the Rev. Charles Dolan of Buffalo, N.Y., and Father Shea.

A delegation from the Wallingford Police Department and commissioners, as well as members of the Wallingford Fire Department under the command of Fire Chief John Czine formed a guard of honor at the church and at the cemetery.

Bearers were Captain Clarence Simmons, Lt. Charles Bercier, Assistant Chief Henry Bronsord, Lt. Stanley Zest, Captain James Kenny and Fire Marshall John Luby. The fire alarm sounded four times as the funeral was in progress.

Arrangements were under the direction of the J. W. Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 209 Center St., Wallingford, Connecticut.


taken from Meriden Record, Monday, June 29, 1959, front page and Thursday, July 2, 1959, page 23