Richard I. Downing

RICHARD I. DOWNING The family of Richard Downing regrets to report his passing on Sunday, October 5th, 2014 due to complications from pneumonia at the age of 89. Richard I Downing (Dick) was born June 8, 1925 in Evans City, Pa. He was the son of E. Richard and Ruth Irvine Downing. Dick graduated from Lincoln High School, Ellwood City, Pa. in 1943. He also graduated from Westminster College in 1947, with a degree in Business Administration. He married Catherine Elizabeth Jones in 1948. He worked for United States Steel from 1947 to 1983, retiring from Fairless Works as Division Supervisor, Accounting. Prior to his tenure at Fairless Works, he worked for U.S. Steel at Ellwood Works, Christy Park Works and National Works. After retirement he worked for Bucks County Bank. Dick was active in his Church and served as Lay Leader and Lay Preacher. He also held church positions as Trustee and Board Chairman. He was recently honored by the Lower Bucks Chaplaincy for 50 + years of service to the Lower Bucks Hospital Interfaith Chaplaincy Program. He leaves behind his wife Cathy of 66 years. He is also survived by two sons, David (and his wife Cindy) and James, his two daughters , Catherine Susan ("Sue") and Ann Elizabeth Haffley (and her husband Rob), three grandchildren, Brenna Downing, Breanne Haffley and Brandon Downing, his sister Anna Downing and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard, and his sister, Helen. Dick will be dearly missed by his family, of whom he was very proud, and his many friends. He will be missed in his neighborhood, where he could often be seen walking dogs or being walked by them! His simple joys included family gatherings, travel, good food, big band music, tennis, golf and playing cards with friends. He was a big proponent of "Eat Dessert First!" There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, November 1st, 2:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 840 Trenton Rd. in Fairless Hills. Donations in Dick's honor may be given to a charity of your choice, the First United Methodist Church at the above address or the S.P.C.A.