Search by Name

Search by Name

John "Hank" Downey

1928 - 2019

John "Hank" Downey obituary, 1928-2019, North Hampton, NH

BORN

1928

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road

Hampton, New Hampshire

John Downey Obituary

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.

Published by Seacoastonline.com from Jun. 17 to Jun. 20, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Downey

Sponsored by Remick & Gendron Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in John Downey's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for John Downey

Jun

21

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842

Jun

22

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Theresa Church

795 Central Road, Rye Beach, NH

Jun

22

Burial

North Hampton Center Cemetery

196 Post Road, NH

Funeral services provided by:

Remick & Gendron Funeral Home

811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Downey's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more