John Meldrum Downie III

John was born on May 20th, 1952, in Boston, Massachusetts to Barbara and John Downie. The first of four children, John was the older, protective, and loyal brother to Peter, Heather, and Jamie Downie.

When the family moved to Old Saybrook Connecticut, John quickly and easily found his footing, making many friends and playing football.

Following high school, John went to Doane College in Nebraska, often talking how he had wanted to be a special education teacher, but he didn’t like the style of his professors. He fondly remembers the tedious road trip back and forth from Connecticut, the turkey hunting, and concerts he often attended. John had also shared that he had a great love in Nebraska, but it just hadn’t worked.

John found his way back to Connecticut and Old Saybrook after his mid-west adventure and was recruited to join a minor league football team – the farm league for the New York Giants – but realized that wasn’t going to be his full-time gig, so back he started working carpentry jobs around the area. John married and divorced a woman that he affectionately called one of the great loves, and then met his second wife- the love of his life - Donna.

Together, Donna and John lived. For almost 40 years, Donna and John created and built a home and legacy of love, kindness and friendship. While not conventional, the Downie’s always had a way of making sure that everyone knew that they were welcome. The house was rarely empty, and never quiet! John also became a volunteer firefighter for Old Saybrook (& fire police), a Moose, a Mason, and a lifetime Elk member. For thirty years, John worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, retiring as a Head Supervisor for the Bridge department.

John had his close associates and dear friends through the legion and the VFW. John had his NASCAR crew, and, of course, The Breakfast Club.

John was predeceased by his wife Donna, mother Barbara, father John, sister Heather, and niece Morgan. John leaves behind so many. His daughter Kelly, who loves him more than dirt, and her husband Evan (Davis); John’s amazing son, Mike and his wife Kari (Throener); his loyal and caring brothers Peter (Jan) and Jamie (Cindy) Downie; and his nieces Lauren, Kaitlyn, Lindsey, and nephew Jamie Junior.

John also leaves behind his grandchildren, Haely Throener, Michaela Washington, Austin Throener and Madison Throener; and five great grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind his “Darlin’s” (“Hello Darlin’”), his two cats, and his dearest and very loved friends, Joanne Bombaci, and lifetime honorary Downie, Cheryl Colquhoun and Sarah Grandsire .

John would want us all to remember to do the right thing; even when no one is looking. Do all the things and have all the stories – that’s what dad would have wanted for all of us.