Dan Downey Obituary

Dan Patrick Downey, 73, of Dallas, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in the University of Pennsylvania Hospital while surrounded by family.

Born in Waynesburg, Dan graduated from Mapletown High School and attended Penn State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. After receiving his bachelor's degree in education from Penn State, Dan went on to graduate from Rutgers University with a master's degree in social work.

After moving to Dallas with his family in 1989, Dan was the chief of social work of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes-Barre for many years. He also served as an adjunct professor for the University of Michigan, College Misericordia and Luzerne County Community College. After retiring from the VA Hospital, Dan became the head of career services at the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. An avid Penn State fan and alumnus, he remained involved with the campus after his retirement.

Dan was a volunteer with American Red Cross, a former member of the Dallas Lions Club and an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Harveys Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Marge Downey.

Surviving are his wife, B. Sue Morrison Downey; sister, Maria Zieglar (Joseph), Dilliner; daughter, Amy Palmer (Stephen), Easton, Md.; son, Brian Downey (Kathryn), Cheverly, Md.; and beloved granddaughter, Molly Rue Palmer.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Richard H. Disque Funeral Home Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, Harveys Lake, with the Rev. Daniel Toomey officiating.

Interment will be held at Beechwoods Cemetery, Falls Creek, at a later time.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Donations may be made to the Penn State Dance Marathon at http://donate.thon.org.

Published by Citizens Voice on Dec. 9, 2016.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sue, Maria and family,
So sorry for your loss. Bill mentioned many good memories of Danny.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peg, Bill, Megan and Karen

Bill and Peggy Downey

December 12, 2016

Sue and family...we loved working with Dan at the Arts At Hayfield craft shows, and when he was head of Career Services at Penn State. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dave and Carol Scheff

December 9, 2016

Dear Sue and family. I was saddened to hear of Dan's passing. He was my favorite supervisor in the Social Work Department at the Beckley, West Virginia VA Medical Center. I was so sad when he transferred to Wilkes Barre. He was always so kind and fair minded. He truly cared about everyone. I will never forget that beautiful smile that would light up a room. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Until we meet again my friend.

Janie Flanagan

December 9, 2016

Maria & Family:
We are so sorry to hear about your brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May God bless you and your family and help you through this difficult time.

Joe & Chris Spiker

December 9, 2016

Dear Brian and Family,

While I didn't get to spend a ton of time with Dan, the time I did spend with him over the past few years gave me a glimpse into his strong and caring character. I'm sorry for your loss. Dan seemed to be a wise role model and I know it will be difficult without him. I hope that your family and friends can offer you support to help you get through this difficult time.

David Meyer

December 9, 2016

Dear aunt Sue and Family,
Our sincere condolences in this difficult time. He was such a kind, gentle, amazing man! He will be missed greatly. We are so saddened by the news. We know that he is rejoicing with the Lord in heaven and no longer suffering. Love you All.

Garth, Arina, Emily and Tessa Donahue

December 9, 2016

Sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you.

Robert Powell

December 9, 2016

Dear Sue & Family:
My deepest sympathy to you and your loving family. Dan was a wonderful husband, father, friend and mentor to all who knew him. May he soar with the angels. God Bless you all. Maria Stuppino

maria stuppino

December 9, 2016

Mrs.Sue and family, I am so sad for your loss my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Much love to you all.

Kris Cook

December 9, 2016

Janet Pennington

December 8, 2016

Maria and Family,
We are so saddened by the loss of your brother, Danny. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Janet and Norm

Janet Pennington

December 8, 2016

Condolences to your family, Amy. Your Dad will live in your heart forever...

Sandy Tarulli

December 8, 2016

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Funeral services provided by:

Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc.

2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA 18612

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