John was a graduate of St. Francis Prep and received a BBA from St Francis College in Brooklyn. He was a member of the Law Review at St. John’s Law School (1962) and attended NYU School of Law in the Master of Laws program.
John began his career drafting contracts for major construction projects as an associate in the Law Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He joined Reilly & Reilly in 1965.
John founded John M. Downing & Associates (later Downing & Peck, PC) in 1969 and was well known to the New York Bench and Bar as one of New York’s most articulate, energetic, and effective trial attorneys. He won scores of noteworthy verdicts and mentored many young attorneys who went on to become partners in major firms.
John’s avocation was acting. He delighted audiences in summer stock and later in dozens of productions as the lead actor with the Heights Players of Brooklyn.
John was a strong patron of Bay Street Theatre, Sag Harbor NY, especially its youth programs. He was a past president and supporter of the Emerald Association of Long Island which hosted the nation’s longest running charity ball for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
John was predeceased by son Michael and wife Catherine and his siblings, Gloria (Walsh), Lawrence, Richard and William.
He is survived by Marguerite Peck (Ernest), John Downing Jr (Brenda), Alison Metzler (William), Patrick (Katalin), daughter-in-law Tara Downing, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Requiscat in Pace.
