John D. Downing

1932 - 2023

John D. Downing, 90, of Manor, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. He was born May 28, 1932, in Penn Township, to Reginald and Clara (Lester) Downing. He was a graduate of Jeannette High School Class of 1950. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve during the Korean War conflict. While home on leave, he met the love of his life, Wanda Bosch. After marriage, they moved to State College, where he studied metallurgy at Penn State. This led to a 30-year career with US Steel Research Department. John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Family was very important to him. He was preceded in death by both parents; loving wife of 60 years, Wanda (Bosch) Downing; daughter, Sharon (Kreinbrook) Downing; infant son, Gregory; and one sister, Clara Ann Downing. He is survived by three daughters, Melinda Kasper, Sheila Gettemy and Laura Painter (Robert); nine grandchildren, Andrew Kasper, Brendan (Gabriella) Kasper, Matthew (Nina) Gettemy, Aaron (Jennifer) Gettemy, Angela (Anthony) Colosi, Hope (David) Wilkinson, Carrington Kreinbrook (fiancee Gabrielle DeFazio), Julia Painter and Evan Painter; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Ronald (Ethel) Downing, Lester (Donna) Downing and Ken (Pat) Downing; and one sister, Regina (Duane) Bosch. Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at BEATTY-RICH FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 136, Madison, PA 15663, Ronald A. Rich Jr. supervisor/funeral director. A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Madison Union Cemetery in Madison, with full military honors by the Armbrust Veterans accorded. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.beatty-richfuneralhome.com.