Obituary for John C. Downing
John C. Downing
September 15, 1929-June 24, 2013
Middletown, NY
John C. Downing, a retired yard foreman for Rowley Lumber in Middletown, died following a long illness on Monday, June 24 at Middletown Park Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. He was 83.
The son of the late Harry and Emily Smith Downing, he was born on September 15, 1929 in Middletown. John spent his lifetime in the Middletown area and was an active member of his community. He was a lifelong volunteer as a part of the Silverlake and Bloomingburg Fire Departments and the Ontario Hose Co. No. 5 throughout the years. He was a past Chief of Silverlake Fire Dept. and in 1963 helped build the Silverlake sub station. He was a past Fireman of the Year. John was also a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne and a former Post Commander of the Wurtsboro VFW. He worked for Rowley Lumber for 20 years and Mechanicstown School District for 10 years. He was a dedicated Dad who always stayed involved in his son John’s activities as a Little League Coach, Cub and Boy Scout Master.
John is survived by his only son John P. Downing and his wife Elizabeth of Middletown; one sister, Audrey Faulkner and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and one sister Norma as well as her husband Bill Sherwood and his brother, Edwin "Bud" Downing and Bud's wife Peggy.
Graveside services with Military and Firematic honors will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY 10924.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Silverlake Fire Dept., 26 Maltese Drive, Middletown, NY 10940. A Reception will be held for friends and family following the services at Silverlake Firehouse, 26 Maltese Drive, Middletown, NY 10940.
Arrangements are under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc.
www.applebee-mcphillips.com
Graveside services with Military and Firematic honors will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Orange County Veterans Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY 10924.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Silverlake Fire Dept., 26 Maltese Drive, Middletown, NY 10940. A Reception will be held for friends and family following the services at Silverlake Firehouse, 26 Maltese Drive, Middletown, NY 10940.
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