David Lewis Downs

David Lewis Downs of Old Lyme passed away unexpectedly at his home Sept. 15, 2021. He was born March 26, 1931, in Northport, N.Y., to the late George and Ruth (Sammis) Downs. He graduated from Northport High School in 1949 and then was fortunate to attend the U.S. Merchant Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. and graduated from there in 1953.

As a marine engineer David sailed with the Merchant Marines for almost a year before becoming a U.S. Naval officer for two years. He married his wife Julia “Judy” (Harin) in 1954, and they moved to Old Lyme in 1960 after he was hired at Electric Boat in Groton as a marine engineer. David was responsible for the design and construction of over thirty submarines but was most proud of his role in the design of the USS Nautilus and participated in its test run. He retired from Electric Boat in 1994.

David loved living in Old Lyme and was very happy to retire there. He had a passion for auto mechanics and submarines. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme and volunteered for many of their projects and committees, most notably the annual White Elephant sale that took place each summer. In addition, he drove people to their medical appointments, volunteered for the church’s soup kitchen, and worked with Habitat for Humanity.

David was predeceased by his parents; his older sister Barbara (Downs) Bouschor; and his son Nicholas George Downs. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Julia; a sister, Ruth Ann (Downs) Kukenberger and brother-in-law Frank Kukenberger Jr. of Cooperstown, N.Y. He leaves behind three children, Julie Downs of Farmington (David Fox), John Downs of Rochester, N.Y. (Stephanie Barron) and Jane Downs of Old Lyme; four grandchildren, Kimberly Downs, Laurel Downs, Nick Downs, and Chelsea Carr; two nieces, Mary Bouschor, Amy Kukenberger; a nephew Thomas Kukenberger and wife Amy Dobler Kukenberger; and two great-grandchildren.

A small memorial service for close friends and family will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, in the Memorial Garden of the First Congregational Church in Old Lyme, 1 McCurdy Road, Old Lyme. A reception will follow in the Sheffield Room at the church.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity or the Congregational Church’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund.