Denis Christopher Downing - Sr

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.

Denis' Wife: Albina Josephine Donnelly Downing

Albina Josephine Donnelly Downing was born in Coomatloukane, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry, Ireland on March 19, 1932. She was one of eight children born to Florence and Catherine Donoghue Donnelly. She was raised on a farm with breathtaking views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Like many of her generation she emigrated at the tender age of 19. She sailed to New York on the S.S. Washington out of Cobh, Co. Cork on March 21, 1951. She arrived at the Port of New York on March 28, 1951 to live the American dream and that she did!

Ironically, the day she arrived in New York Harbor was the very day that her future husband enlisted in the U.S. Army and left New York!

During those early years she met many of her lifelong friends. It was about 1955 that she met the love of her life, Denis Christopher Downing. Although he was from Kerry, only 29 miles from her birthplace, they both travelled over 3,000 miles to ultimately meet at the Old Jaeger House, an Irish dance hall in Manhattan. They married on March 2, 1957 and soon had seven children.

The love she had for Kerry equally matched her love of New York. She was a proud and active member of the Kerry Ladies P&B Association, serving multiple terms as President. Her strong Irish connection was evident through her marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, attending the Kerry Dances, Irish football and hurling games at Gaelic Park in the Bronx as well as weekly card games. She held close to her heart not only the spirit of good friendship but loyalty to her Irish heritage. She enjoyed hosting family and friends when they visited New York. She loved the bright lights of New York City. Her witty and fun personality, combined with her zest for life, always guaranteed a good time.

Josephine was a sixty-five year resident of Woodside, New York and a devoted parishioner of St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church. She took pride in being part of the Woodside Community and embraced the strong bond among her neighbors and friends.

Josephine died on January 4, 2024 at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her husband Denis, her son John and her grandsons Denis and Michael. She is survived by her children Maureen (Brian), Denise (Bob), Rosie (Frank), Joe (Linda), Jimmy (Annie), Denis (Crissy), her daughter-in-law Anne and her grandchildren Allison (Kenny), Daniel, Meaghan, Christine (Nate), Shannon (Michael), Molly (Edo), Ciara, Joanne (Ben), Catherine, James (Angela), Christopher, Joseph, Sean, Jamie, Lauren, Kerry, Colleen, John, and Maeve and her great-grandchildren Eden, Noa, Riley, Kelsey, and Callan.

Her passing leaves a void, but Josephine's spirit of joy, camaraderie, and love for her heritage will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.