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Joseph Downey Obituary
Joseph M. Downey, 77, of Alamogordo, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Cruces.
He was born Oct. 7, 1933, in Somerville, Mass., to John and Helen (Lane) Downey.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Juanita Gallegos-Downey; daughters Diane Lenhoff and husband, James, and Carol Shockley and husband, Daniel; grandchildren Lisa Lowery, John Quintana, Juanita Flowers, Daniel Lenhoff, Joseph M. Lenhoff, Joseph M. Herring, Derek Herring and Danielle Shockley; great-grandchildren Alexandria and Brayden Lowery and Logan and Mia Flowers; brother Daniel Downey; and sisters Nora Flagg, Joan Downey and Mary Downey, all of Boston.
Joe was preceded in death by his daughter Helen Downey and brothers Jack and Robert Downey.
Joe was retired from the Air Force and as a college instructor at Albuquerque TVI. He volunteered 15 years at New Mexico State University-Alamogordo, performing institutional research for the college. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Boston, received a bachelor's degree from SIU and a master's degree from NMSU-Las Cruces. Joe was a member of the Elks, Moose and VFW.
Joe was loved deeply by his family; his grandchildren were devoted to him and called often to discuss Notre Dame football and hockey. He and his wife traveled extensively all over the world, including Australia and China.
He enjoyed the Elks Clubs and left many friends here, especially Carle Clarke and John Barr. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to friend Lorraine Barr, who has helped us in this trying time.
Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Juan Montoya as celebrant. A reception will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the Elks Club in Alamogordo. Cremation has taken place locally at PCS.
The Downey family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.alamogordofuneralhome.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Downey
Ernie Trujillo
December 27, 2024
It´s hard to beieve that it´s been so many years since Joe left us. Joe and Jenny were my youngest daugter´s god parents and great friends. Rest in peace my friend.
Ernie Trujillo
February 20, 2022
I just found Joe's obituary and wanted to leave a note of condolences for the family that I so admired during my tour in Hawaii. This is how I remember him for all the help he provided to me growing up in my military family. Rest in Peace Joe!
Mike Casey
January 26, 2011
Mr. Downey,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USAF. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
January 19, 2011
Juanita, Carol and Diane-
How sad I was to learn of the loss of your precious husband and father. When someone you love dies, it leaves an empty spot in your hearts which could never be filled by any other person. What a wonderous gift we have from god in the gift of memories. When you close your eyes, you can see and remember Joe just as he was when he was happy and healthy. Soon, in a new world of god's making, all pain, suffering and sickness will be gone forever. Until then, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Jensen
Ron and Melanie Agnew
January 14, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
January 14, 2011
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe.
Ron and Melanie Agnew
Albuquerque, NM
January 4, 2011
I worked with Joe in the early days of IR at NMSU-A. He was very talented and was a great guy.
Fred Lillibridge, PhD
Las Cruces, NM
Ron & Evelyn Duran
January 4, 2011
To the Family of Joseph Downey,
We are so sorry about the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl Satathite
January 4, 2011
My Condolences to the family. My prayers are with you all. I knew Joseph through Dr. Ashdown's office. I enjoyed the visit with him, he always made us laugh at the office. He will be missed. What a wonderful person he was. Juanita my prayers are with you.
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