Name: Visitation for David J. DOWNEY
Start: 2015-10-16T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-10-16T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc.

On October 14, 2015 David J. Downey, 87; loving husband of Rita B. Downey for 58 yrs.; beloved father of David J. Downey, Jr., Timothy P. Downey, and Marybeth Downey Drusano; cherished grandfather of Meredith, Caroline and Ryan Drusano, and Patrick, Corcoran and David J. Downey, III. The family will receive friends at the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Shrine of the Sacred Heart, 5800 Smith Ave., Baltimore, MD 21209 on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 11PM. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Mr. Downey's memory to Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228. A guest register is available at

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Published by Baltimore Sun on Oct. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David DOWNEY

Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.

8 Entries

Tom Donnelly

November 7, 2015

What a kind and wonderful neighbor he was so many years ago! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Timothy Downey

October 19, 2015

A famous writer once inscribed a book to our Dad, he wrote:
For Dave
-The neighborhood's pillar, the school's solace and our precious friend.

Tim Downey

October 19, 2015

Speaking about Dad
David J. Downey
March 15, 1928 October 14, 2015

Recently, our mother interviewed Dad and he remembered clearly his childhood. So, we would like to share a few thoughts about Dad, beginning with his own words:
I was born on March 15, 1928 at St. Agnes Hospital. My parents are James A Downey and M Regina Downey. I am the fifth child of six. We lived on Springdale Avenue, across the street from Forest Park Golf Course.
We took Sunday rides in our Packard and mother would bring her yardstick to keep us under control in the back seat.
Sometimes we would go to the golf course, which is now Country Club of Maryland to pick up Dad. We would sit on the porch and wait for him. My sister, Mary Ann (known as Biddy) would pick apples off the tree and see how far she could throw them. One time she hit a lady golfer and we were all in trouble!
Our Dad attended All Saints School, Loyola High School and Loyola College.
He said:
I started Loyola College in January 1946 and got a student deferment from the draft for one year. The war ended in the summer of 1946 and the draft was discontinued. My college years were uneventful.
We doubt that.
Dad went on to enlist in the Air Force and trained to be a pilot. He flew helicopters during the Korean War in the Air Sea Rescue unit. He returned home in 1954 to attend the University of Maryland School of Law.
Finally back home after four years away, Dad went to a party at a friend's house and he said
I noticed a girl staring at me. She suddenly came over to me and asked Who are you?' I told her my name and she said, I've never see you before.' I told her that I had been in the service, in the Air Force. She asked me if I had any ID!
He went on to marry this inquisitive woman in September 1957 and Rita has been at his side for 58 years.
Now to share our thoughts
Our Dad was generous, kind, empathetic and interested in others.
He was always a supporter; always our booster, often to be heard saying Great, just great!
But he could be grumpy.
We can all still hear in our heads the voice of Dad yelling Rita! Rita!
Sounding slightly annoyed but always with love and devotion for Mom.
We have had difficult times and differences, but Dad never took sides. He offered balance and understanding.
In the last few months, we gave Dad a bell to ring to get our attention, beyond the commotion of all of us talking in Mom's kitchen. The bell didn't work because Mom could not hear it.
We resorted to a pot and spoon.
BANG! BANG! We would hear and we would all come running. Sometimes to adjust a pillow and sometimes to hear him say how much he was devoted to Mom, appreciated her and loved us all dearly.
Someone once said of Dad, he was a true gentleman.
And a famous writer once inscribed a book to our Dad, he wrote:
For Dave
-The neighborhood's pillar, the school's solace and our precious friend.

October 16, 2015

My most sincere condolences to the Downey Family.
Sending you loving thoughts to ease your sadness and praying for Dave's smooth transition.
love to all of you,
Bronwyn Proutt Wheeler
Baltimore, Maryland

Pamela Devine

October 16, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you love and condolences during this very difficult time.

David & Jeff

October 15, 2015

Our Love and Blessings to the entire Downey Family and extended family with sincere condolences for Dave's passing. May you find strength with each other and remember all the fond experiences life has offered to you all.

Sara Asuncion

October 15, 2015

We send you all our love and our deepest condolences.

Sara, Tony, Michael, and Evan

Chris Easley

October 15, 2015

We are so sorry to hear of Dave's death

Grief from the death of a loved one can be so hard, but our memories of time spent together and of a life well lived help us cope. Take care of one another, our love & thoughts are with you.

Chris Kathy Emma & Sophia
Easley

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