Maurice Downey

Cornwall, NY

Maurice Downey passed away at home on Sunday, June 15, 2008 surrounded lovingly by his wife and children. He was 77.

Born in Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland, he was the ninth of 14 children, and a resident of Cornwall for over 40 years.

He was Chairman of the Cornwall Democratic Committee for 20 years, an active member of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee, and involved in many community activities. Maurice was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Berlin Airlift.

Maurice retired as the Health and Safety Director for Ford Motor Company in Mahwah, NJ after 29 years. He was a proud and active member of the United Auto Workers, Local 906, and believed strong unions make a positive impact in the lives of ordinary Americans. His commitment and support of the American worker led to his appearing on an hour-long live debate on CNN with Dr. Peter Drucker in the wake of widespread plant closings. He was scheduled to be the voice of the American worker as the seconding speech for the nomination of Senator Edward Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention in 1980. Both professionally and personally, Maurice was known for his many acts of kindness to friends and strangers alike.

Maurice is survived by Julia, his wife of 52 years; his six children, Mary, Bernadette, Clare, John, Maurice and Julia, with their spouses, Frank Squeri, Marcio DaCosta, Stacia (Riley) Downey, Kim (Misiti) Downey and David Donovan. A proud grandfather, he is survived by his 12 grandchildren: Monica, Cassandra, Stephanie and Brendan DaCosta; Anna, John, Sean and Thomas Downey; Patrick and Shannon Downey; and Daniel and Conor Donovan. Along with many nieces and nephews, his surviving sisters and brothers are Daniel of Davie, FL, Eugene and Maureen of Great Britain, Joan Kelly of Ireland, and Eddie of Australia.

But with all of his many achievements, he will be most remembered as loving and dedicated to his family, providing guidance and inspiration through his intelligence, courage, mild manner, affection and humor. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered forever.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, June 20, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at James F. Lulves Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Avenue A, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, 340 Hudson St., Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY. Interment will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Maurice's name to Catholic Charities or Covenant House.

Arrangements are under the direction of James F. Lulves Funeral Home, Inc., 845-534-2550.