Joseph Herman Downey

Joseph H Downey - Obituary
July 6, 1964 – March 22, 2025
Joseph H. Downey, 60, son of Martha M. Downey and Francis X. Downey, died suddenly on March 22, 2025. Born on July 6, 1964, his parents proudly brought him home and introduced him to his four older siblings, Robert Downey, Joyce Hoover, John Downey, and Mary K. Wetzel. He grew up in Annandale, VA, and as a child, Joe could be found outside playing baseball, kickball, and basketball with the neighborhood kids, making memories and friends that lasted a lifetime. He attended St. Michael Catholic School through sixth grade and Linton Hall Military School in seventh and eighth grade before moving on to Saint Francis Prep in PA for high school. In his junior year, he transferred to Annandale High School, where he graduated in 1982. Living away from home during school, Joe devoted himself to sports and friendships. He hated wearing the tie and suit coat The Prep mandated, and calculated, as a freshman, that he could earn a varsity letter in tennis. His intention was to get rid of the blazer and wear a letterman sweater. Joe also made his mark in high school on the basketball court, earning the nickname "Jumpin Joe" from his teammates. He loved to share stories of his glorious basketball days.
Joe met his wife, Leslie, in 1984 and shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as a medic and worked on the Langley Air Force Base Hospital surgical ward in Hampton, VA. Despite the distance, Joe and Leslie's relationship endured. After leaving the Air Force in 1988, Joe moved back to Northern Virginia to begin the next chapter of his life. Hired by the Fairfax County Health Department, he conducted compliance physicals for the Police and Fire Departments. Later, he moved over to the Adult Day Care Program, where he worked for most of his career with seniors, including those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Known as the "life of the party," Joe made sure every day was lively and fun for the seniors. After 37 years with Fairfax County, he retired in October of 2024 and was enjoying the wonderful life of retirement.
Joe and Leslie married in 1992 and have two children, Taylor (28) and Madeline (23). Joe was a hands-on dad who loved spending time outside with his kids. Whether he was throwing a football, pitching baseballs, or starting a game of badminton or kickball, he was always up for some fun and quality time together. More recently, he would send silly texts to check in on his children. He always said, if you text your kids a question, they will have to answer you back! He shared his love of basketball with Taylor and Madeline. Joe never missed his kids' basketball games and was their biggest fan. His enthusiasm made him a memorable presence in the stands. He was proud of their accomplishments on and off the court and never shy about showing it.
Joe was a lifelong sports fan, always supporting the local teams: the Commanders, the Wizards, the Nationals, the Capitals, and the alma mater of his wife and children, UVA. He would often call his close friends during the Commander's games to either celebrate or commiserate. After retirement, he attended lots of high school basketball games and said it was more relaxing to watch when you do not have a kid in the game. Joe enjoyed spending time in the yard, clipping bushes, pulling weeds, and standing back to judge the results. It also gave him a chance to chat with neighbors and catch up. He never went outside without making sure to get some exercise, whether it was a bike ride, a swim, or a walk around the neighborhood, either solo or with Leslie.
We will remember and celebrate Joe together on Friday, April 25, 2025. The family will receive guests from 1:00 to 1:45 pm at Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Drive in Burke, VA 22015. The service will begin at 2:00 pm.
Donations in Joe's honor can be made to The Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke, 4019 Olley Lane, Fairfax, VA 22032.