| Sources |
- [S976] Obituary - Denis Downing, (Turning Hearts), https://app.turninghearts.com/dashboard/medallion-21331.
Denis Christopher Downing led a remarkable life, marked by both hardship and joy. Born in Derreenfinlehid, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland on December 19, 1928, he grew up on a farm as the fourth of six children to James J Downing and Nora Nash Downing. His early years were shaped by rural life in Ireland, but economic circumstances led him to seek opportunity in the United States.
At the age of 21, Denis embarked on a journey that took him from Cobh, Co. Cork on March 14, 1950, aboard the U.S. Washington, arriving in New York Harbor on March 23, 1950. This move was driven by a lack of work in Ireland, a common reason for emigration during that time.
On March 28, 1951, just a year after arriving in the U.S., Denis enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean Conflict for two years. This military service further shaped his character and provided him with new experiences far from his Irish homeland.
After his military service, Denis settled in New York City, initially living with his aunts in Brooklyn before later residing in the Bronx and finally in Woodside, Queens. He got a job with The Consolidated Edison Company of New York where he was employed for 40 years.
It was during his time in Manhattan that he met Albina Josephine Donnelly at the Old Jaeger House, an Irish dance hall, around 1955. Their meeting blossomed into a deep relationship, culminating in marriage on March 2, 1957, at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in New York City.
Denis and Albina, known affectionately as Abbie by Irish friends and Josie by American friends, built a family together, becoming parents to seven children. Throughout his life, Denis was known as a kind and gentle man, known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication to his family. He carried out his responsibilities without complaint, embodying the values of hard work and devotion that characterized his generation. He found joy in serving others, whether as a longtime usher at St. Sebastian Church or as a volunteer driver for his children and their teammates.
Denis Christopher Downing's life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 59. Despite facing this formidable challenge, he fought bravely against the disease for several years. However, on October 8, 1995, Denis passed away at age 66, leaving behind his family who mourned his loss deeply. His death marked the end of a life marked by hard work, dedication to his loved ones, and the courage he displayed in both his immigration to the United States and his service in the U.S. Army. Denis' memory continues to live on through the love and memories shared by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who knew him.
Denis is survived by his wife Josephine, his children Maureen (Brian), Denise (Bob), John (Anne), Rosie (Frank), Joe (Linda), Jimmy (Annie) and Denis, his grandchildren Allison, Daniel, Meaghan, Christine, Shannon, Molly, Ciara, Joanne and Catherine. Since his death his family has grown and now he is remembered through stories of his life by an additional daughter-in-law, Crissy; additional grandchildren James, Christopher, Sean, Joseph, Michael (RIP), James, Lauren, Denis (RIP), Kerry, Colleen, John and Maeve and great grandchildren Eden, Riley, Noa, Kelsey and Callan.
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1928 - 1995 (66 years)
