1928
2019
NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. – John "Hank" Downey, 91, of North Hampton, passed Friday, June 14, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Hank was born in Brighton, Mass. on Feb. 20, 1928, the only child of the late James and Elizabeth (Nealin) Downey. He was raised in Marblehead, Mass. and graduated from St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass. in 1947 where he excelled in baseball and hockey. He later earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Providence College where he continued to play baseball as the Friars' starting catcher.
Hank was a veteran of the Korean War and a recipient of the National Naval Defense Ribbon, proudly serving with the U.S. Navy. As a commissioned officer, he was assigned to the USS Wyandot and charged with resupplying weather stations in the Arctic Circle. He later served 16 years as a Lieutenant in the Navy Reserves. Following his military service, Hank established his own diaper service business, "Downy Diaper", with the clever slogan "It's Tops for Bottoms!" in Arlington, Mass.
Hank married his beloved wife, Mary Lou (Burns) Downey, in 1956 and they settled in Marblehead, Mass. Soon after, Hank began his more than 33 year career with Sprague Energy; a move that brought Hank, Lou and their growing family to North Hampton, N.H. The heart of Hank's career was with Sprague where he held executive positions in Boston, Mass. and Newington, N.H. from 1958 to 1992. During this time he oversaw the light oil division, was a member of the Home Heat Council, a consultant to the Governor during the oil crisis, a member of the BIA and many other related oil business organizations. After his retirement he continued to work as a consultant for Sprague Energy.
Forever civic-minded, Hank firmly believed in always doing his best for others and generously gave his time to better his professional and personal communities. In his earlier years he was a three term President of the Propeller Club in Portsmouth, a member of the Portsmouth Rotary Club for over 30 years and recipient of the Portsmouth Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship award, President and member of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and he also served on the Board of Directors for the United Way. He was an active communicant at St. Theresa Parish, member of the Sacred Heart School Board, Vice President of Parish Council at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and for 13 seasons he served on the commission of the North Hampton Youth Association while he proudly coached his five sons in Little League and Pony League.
Hank was known as a gentleman and talented athlete who could always be counted on by friends and family alike, but above everything else, he was a devoted father and husband who loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. His favorite times were spent with the family skiing, hiking, camping, playing cribbage, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Additionally, he was a lifelong fan of all Boston sports. Hank will also be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor; always quick to play a practical joke on friends and colleagues alike. In their retirement years, Hank and Lou were "happy campers", extensively traveling through the U.S. and Canada in their motor home with their trusted cat and co-pilot, Buddha.
In addition to his wife, Hank is survived by his nine children: Deborah (Downey) Sillay and her husband John of North Hampton, N.H., Stephen Downey and his partner Ka'au Abraham of Maui, Hawaii, Richard Downey and his wife Lisa of Andover, Mass., William Downey of Portsmouth, N.H., John Downey, Jr. and his wife Mona of Kennebunk, Maine, Brenda (Downey) Worrell and her husband Kenneth of North Hampton, N.H., Paul Downey and his wife Karen of Newburyport, Mass., Susan (Downey) Gray and her husband John of Rye, N.H. and Diane (Downey) Andrews and her husband Mark of North Hampton, N.H. He also leaves 14 beautiful grandchildren: Sarah, Lauren, Michael, Sam, Maddie, Killian. Jack, Nolan, Brooke, Caitlin, Ryan, Reese, Gavin and Teagan, and three great grandchildren: Maggie, Libby and Landon.
SERVICES: Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2019 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 at St. Theresa Church, 795 Central Road, Rye Beach. Burial will follow at the North Hampton Center Cemetery at 196 Post Road. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Please visit www.RemickGendron.com to view Hank's memorial website, sign his tribute wall or for directions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Remick & Gendron Funeral Home.
Mr.Downey, Thank you for your service RDM Windham NH
June 20, 2019
To my second family, from the first time I met all of you with Lou and Hank I knew we would become very close. My time with Hank was always an adventure that I treasured being part of. He was my hero who I will miss dearly. My heart felt condolences to all of you.
❤ Kate
June 19, 2019
To the Downey family,I am so sorry for your loss. Hank was a remarkable person who was so sweet and kind. He was also a true gentleman and that says so much about him as a person. He will be greatly missed. I pray your memories of Hank will help you threw this difficult time.
Mary Barry
June 19, 2019
Hank and Lou were two of the first people I met when Henry and I moved to Portsmouth in 1961. He had a loving and generous heart as does his wife. He will be missed by all of us who knew him.ii
Heppy Powers
June 19, 2019
So sorry to the entire Downey family. Loved him as my coach. Can still remember the smell of the cigars in his Cadillac. Great man, father, leader. Tons of good memories growing up in that neighborhood. He was one of the best.John Pettigrew
John Pettigrew
June 18, 2019
I like to give my condolences to the family. May you have underserved kindness and mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 1: 2.
June 18, 2019
To the Downey Family:
On behalf of a grateful nation, and the Department of NH, VFW Auxiliary District #7, we wish to express our sincere appreciation for the honorable service given by your loved one, and send our deepest condolences on your loss.
District #7 Chaplain,
Cathy Burns
June 18, 2019
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