Randy Eric Downing

Randy Eric Downing

May 10, 1963 – July 7, 2025

Born May 10, 1963, in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Randy was the beloved son of Ronald and Ethel Downing. He was the middle child and was predeceased by his parents and his older siblings, Karen and Robbie.

Randy was a man of science. After earning his bachelor's degree in biology, he built an impressive career as a microbiologist with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He was deeply proud of his work, especially his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He loved what he did so much that even when illness made it hard to function, he could hardly bring himself to retire.

Randy wasn't a risk taker by nature - he followed the rules and lived with integrity. But when his illness took too much from him, he made the bravest choice of his life: to undergo a double lung transplant in November 2024. He fought through every complication with patience, strength, and unshakable hope.

He woke up happy and singing every day. His greatest joys were simple and deeply rooted: playing guitar, cooking, gardening, and watching his grandchildren grow. Those were the things that mattered most to him.

Randy is survived by his sisters Dawn (Downing) Coolidge and her husband Steve; Cheryl Downing and her partner Dave; his daughters Chelsie (Downing) Fowler and husband, Kevin; Heather (Suitter) Massie and husband Stephen; and his cherished grandchildren: Shane, Abigail, Cole, Chase, KJ, and Keegan.

What needs to be known most about Randy is not just how hard he fought - but how much heart he put into living. He was strong, courageous, endlessly patient, and deeply hopeful. He was, without question, the definition of a great man. As a family, we are heartbroken by his loss, but we are infinitely proud of the life he lived.