John Thomas Downey

John T. Downey, 87, of Boca Raton, Florida, and formerly of Babylon, New York, went to Heaven on Saturday, August 5, 2017. He was born October 7, 1929 in Manhattan, New York to Lawrence and Elsie Downey.

John was a decorated Captain in the United States Air Force. He flew T-6s, B-25s, B-26s, B-29s, B-50s, and KC-97s. During the Korean War, John flew 10 combat missions from Yakota Air Force Base in Japan flying B-29s. He was awarded Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Air Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He spent several years with the Strategic Air Command and the 509th Bomb Wing (Hiroshima/Nagasaki History) in Special Weapons (Nuclear) Schooling.

Following his Military Service, John became a pilot with United Airlines. He spent a joyous 34 years captaining DC-6s, DC-7s, DC-8s, B-727s, DC-10s, Convair 340s, and Viscounts. He even flew President Nixon during his Presidential Campaign!

Upon moving to Florida, John became a devout member of St Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach.

Although John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Harriet “Dolly” Downey, he is survived by his loving children, James, Paul, Richard (Carol), and Robert (Angela); and his darling grandchildren, Richard, Matthew, John, and Robert.

John’s family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 from 4pm to 8pm at Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home at 217 E Hillsboro Blvd, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 9:30am at St Ambrose Catholic Church at 380 S Federal Hwy, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. John will be laid to rest next to his wife in St Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Memorial Contributions may be made in John’s honor to Trustbridge Hospice (www.hpbcf.org/donation) or by mail at: Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation/Hospice by the Sea Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or Vitas Hospice (www.vitascommunityconnection.org). Arrangements entrusted to Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Deerfield Beach, FL.