Gerald Francis (Jerry) Downey 82, passed away March 11, 2013, in Pearisburg, at the home of his daughter, with the devoted aide of Good Samaritan Hospice. Jerry was born May 5, 1930, in Chicago, Ill. to Paul Francis Downey and Bridge Mary Downey (Ryan) from Tipperary, Ireland. One of his two brothers, John Downey, is recently deceased.
Downey was Roman Catholic. He graduated in 1948 from De La Salle High School, Chicago Ill. He then served his country becoming a Sergeant in the United States Army infantry (Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 32nd Infantry), where he was awarded for his exemplary conduct as a Radio Chief during combat in the Korean War. He went on to serve on the Chicago Police Force and later as a policeman for the University of Berkely California, where he retired. Jerry spent his later years in the New River Valley as a loving father and grandfather. His generous spirit, Irish witt, singing, dancing, and story telling will be long remembered.
Gerald is survived by his first born son, Gerald L Condon, Houston, Texas; his daughter, Roxanne R. Elliott, Pearisburg; and his granddaughter, Sasha Rose Elliott, Charlotte N.C. He has five nieces and nephews in the Chicago area; and a sister-in-law, June, from Grant Park Ill. Additionally, he is survived by his first cousin, Teresa (Downey) Weddle and her husband, Melbourne Weddle, of Santa Barbara, Calif.
The funeral will be 7 p.m. Wednesday March 13, 2013, with visitation from 6 p.m. until the service time at Kendall Funeral Home, 605 Snidow Street, Pembroke. 540-626-7221.
A veteran service burial will be 11 a.m. March 14, 2013, at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin VA 24084 540-674-6893. All are welcome at the services.