Obituary of James F. Downey

James F. Downey, 85, of Glastonbury passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Born in Hartford, he was the son of the late James T. and Anna (Chrzanowski) Downey. James started his career learning the electrical trade at Libin Electric and was a Master Electrician for many years. He founded the Downey Electric Company in 1966 and operated the business for 50 years, overseeing electrical jobs in both commercial and residential buildings. He also owned and operated an apartment building in East Hartford for over 40 years.

James was one of a kind, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, great food (lobster, filet mignon, & ice cream particularly) and wine, and was a collector of many things. He was an inspiration to us all – as a devoted brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle, who enjoyed life to the fullest and was never afraid to take a chance. As one of the most generous people you could ever meet, Jim always thought of his loved ones everywhere he went and saw them in everything around him. He was always there for those in need, especially family, and was never afraid to stand up for his loved ones. Jim loved being both a teacher and mentor, lending his time and knowledge to all who asked to be their best. He believed in you no matter your circumstances and was always ready to cheer you on, whether through a set-back or an accomplishment. 

Surviving are his son Matthew Downey and his wife Sandra of NY, his three daughters Laurie Kerwin, Melinda Downey of NY, and Melissa Downey of NY, his five grandchildren Alexander and Jennifer Downey, Ryan Allen and his wife Ana, Nicholas and his wife Kayla and Andrew Kerwin, three great grandchildren Heidi, Adelaide and Madeline Kerwin, his three brothers Joseph Downey of Rocky Hill, John Downey and his wife Maria of Amston, Walter Downey and his wife Colette of FL, his two sisters Margaret Vasseur of East Hartford and Mary Malcolm-Smith of Manchester, his sister-in-law Joann Downey of Glastonbury and his former wife Donna Downey of FL. James was predeceased by his daughter Diane Downey, his brother Michael Downey, his sister Theresa Downey and his sister-in-law Margaret Downey. The family would like to thank the staff at Salmon Brook Rehab and Nursing for their kind and compassionate care of James.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Dunstan Church, 1345 Manchester Rd., Glastonbury. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, East Hartford. Family and friends may call on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’s name may be made to a charity of your choice. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.