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Thomas DOWNES Obituary
DOWNES, Thomas J.
Thomas J. Downes, 45, of Columbia, passed away suddenly on Wednesday (October 24, 20120). Tom was stricken doing what he loved, working the ball fields of Trinity College and was pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital a short time later. He was the beloved husband of Eileen (Stamm) Downes who made her heart sing. Tom was born in Hartford and lived there until the family moved to Manchester in 1968 and in 2000 moved to Columbia. He loved sports and played American Football, Gaelic Football and basketball. He was an avid Yankee, NY Giants, Celtics and UCONN Fan. Tom was a gifted artist who created and presented numerous greeting cards to family and friends with different embellishments. He also had a great love for music, was an avid fan of Bruce Springsteen, having attended many of his concerts. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children Justin Downes, Kelsey Downes, AJ Flemke; his grandchildren JT Downes and Mariah Flemke; and his parents Tom and Rita Downes of Manchester. He is also survived by his brother Michael Downes and his wife Donna, their children Grace and Sarah, his mother-in-law Jean Desrosiers, brother-in-law James Stamm and his wife Dena, their children Kyle and Matthew, his Uncle Brendan Downes and his wife Jean, their children Tim, Kathy and Mike, his Aunt Mary Burke and her daughters Mary, Kathy and Eileen, and many other close relatives in Ireland.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, at the Church of the Assumption 29 Adams St. South, Manchester followed by burial in St. James Cemetery, Manchester. Please go directly to church. Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas DOWNES
Debra B.
October 20, 2013
Yesterday marks a year since I last spoke to Tom. I've missed his smiles, jokes and stories about Bruce this year. He was an amazing man and friend. Still miss you you, my friend. I can only imagine how difficult this has been for your family. Eileen, Kelsey, Justin and family - sending you lots of prayers during this time.
Mike Hetherington
July 11, 2013
Kelsey,
I am so sorry for your loss. I just came across this news tonight and I am shocked and feel so bad for you. Your dad and I had much in common and I really enjoyed our conversations which always touched on so many interesting topics (especially the music of Springsteen.) The last time I saw the two of you was at the concert at The TD Garden in Boston and it was obvious your dad was very proud to be there with you and your brother. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Justin Downes
April 15, 2013
Would like everyone who writes here to know that the entire family still to this day appreciates your words!!! Love you dad not a minute goes by with out you on my mind, until the day we meet again!!! BOOMBA
Lori Hasemann
March 24, 2013
Eileen & Kelsey,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I just found out. I hope things are going ok for you.
Lori Hasemann
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Glenys Stannard
February 20, 2013
Eileen & Kelsey
I think of you so often & wonder how you are doing! Ever want to talk or visit I live in Vernon senior housing, 860-871-2007. Glenys
Kelsey Downes
February 14, 2013
I miss you so much daddy. Rest in peace my king<3
Our last time together
Matt Hagenow
January 10, 2013
To the entire Downes family, I am still in shock and send my deepest condolences to you all. If I could write a book about all the times Tom & I shared together, it would be the size of a dictionary. Bro, I will remember & cherish every day we hung out - from walking to the Honda motorcycle shop on Adams St. to your basketball games at East Catholic to every rock concert we went to and all points in between. My best friend growing up, you will be missed dearly. RIP brother...
Bianca
October 31, 2012
Eileen,
My prayers are with you and your family. I can still see his big smile as he enters the door of our office. He will be missed by all!
October 29, 2012
Eileen, I am so saddened by this terrible news.
Karen Mazzarella
October 28, 2012
Eileen and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Downes family. May all of your happy memories of Tom stay with you always!
Sincerely,
The Colliton Family
October 28, 2012
Rita and Tommy,
There are no words. When I think of Thomas, I think of conversations at your kitchen table, pride in your voice when you spoke of Thomas, his children, his accomplishments. Please God give strength.
Ann Curry
Dave Tomasitis
October 28, 2012
A great father and husband. Lived his life in a way that was an example for all men to pattern themselves after.
October 28, 2012
Tom.Rita and Family, Words cannot express the shock when we heard the news of Tom's passing. Please except our deepest sympathy, love and prayers in this very difficult time. Love, Judie and Ed Kozlowski, Melbourne, Fl
Tim Downes
October 27, 2012
Dear Tom....at times you seemed larger than life...work hard, play hard, and you lived your life to the fullest under your terms. May all of us find comfort in the memories and the love you leave behind and especially for Eileen, Kelsey, Justin and JT, Uncle Tom and Auntie Rita, Michael and Donna, Sarah and Grace. Love always, Cousin Tim
The O'Gorman Family
October 27, 2012
All of our prayers and our thoughts are with the entire Downes family.
Evelyn Moriarty
October 27, 2012
Tom & Rita
I'm recovering from surgery following a broken hip and
am sorry that I can't extend my condolences in person.
Please know that you and your family will remain in my
thoughts and prayers.
Al and Maria Zimei (The Gathering)
October 27, 2012
Tom and Rita,
We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Larry&Eileen Armstrong
October 27, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sean & Bridie Canning
October 27, 2012
Tommy & Rita
Our hearts go out to you at this time, sometimes things seem upside down but God has his reasons and you must come through as best you can. He is gone to prepair a place for you.
You are in our deepest thoughts and prayers.
October 27, 2012
Rita & Tommy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Billy & Peggy O'Connor
October 27, 2012
Rita and Tommy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Billy and Peggy O'Connor
sue r
October 27, 2012
Eileen, Kelsey & family, I am so sorry for your loss. God took him way to soon. Now you have a special guardian angel watching over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
October 27, 2012
Tom was the biggest part of my childhood years. He lit up everyday with energy and humor and kept me laughing everyday. I'll never forget you.
Your buddy, Jay.
Jeannette & Jim LaGasse
October 27, 2012
Tom, it's hard to believe you have been called away at such a young age, may God's grace and peace be with all your family members as we know how much you meant to them all. We're both very sadden by your passing but happy that we got the chance to know you and your family through your parents - God Bless
Mike Tom Mike Tim
Downes Michael
October 27, 2012
Mike Tom Tim
Downes Michael
October 27, 2012
karen S
October 27, 2012
"And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun"
Tommy, we will miss your physical presence hear on earth but know you now soar on the other side. Watch down upon those you love and wrap you arms around them and give them strength to carry on until they too soar with you
Bonnie Campbell
October 27, 2012
I am very shocked and saddened to hear of Toms passing. I will hold your entire family in my prayers. I wish there were words to say to heal your broken hearts , but times like these leave you speechless.
Bonnie Campbell (former employee from ABC pizza)
October 27, 2012
Deb B.
October 27, 2012
Eileen, Kelsey and family, i am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and praying that memories of Tom will get you through this difficult time.
John & Mary Gorman
October 27, 2012
We send our condolences to the Downes family on this sad occasion,and remember the many happy times we spent together,our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deb Borrero
October 27, 2012
God took Tom home too soon. His smile, kindness and contagious laugh are already missed by many. Rest in peace, my friend.
October 27, 2012
We wish we could be with you during this difficult time ...Daniel & Eileen + Jacqueline & Laurent and the boys in Athens + Montreal XOXOXOX
Glenys Stannard
October 27, 2012
Eileen, Kelsey & Family.
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. He will always be the blessed Guardian Angel watching over you. The love will continue forever.
Love, Glenys
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