Thomas A. Downey

Thomas A. Downey, 99 passed away 12:49 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Lima Convalescent Home. He was born November 13, 1913 in Lima to Thomas and Anna (Ley) Downey who preceded him in death. On May 23, 1935 he married Amy (Maurer) Downey who preceded him in death on September 27, 2002.

He is survived by two sons: Thomas J. Downey, Northville, MI, Michael D. Downey of Canton; two daughters Julianne Joseph of Lima, Sheila (Sam) Sarkisian of Parma. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, Thomas M. (Lisa) Downey, Northville, MI, Stephen (Lisa) Downey, North Brook, IL, Anne Marie (Patrick) Feerick, Glenview, IL, Meghan Downey, Chicago, IL, Colleen Downey, Cleveland, Julie Downey, Chicago, Pamela (David) Rathke, Golden, CO, Dianne (Tyson) Parish, Lima, Heather (Brent) Dawson, Lima, Peter Sarkisian, Parma, Ara Sarkisian, Los Angeles, and Amy (Tyler) Vlakovich, Los Angeles, fifteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Jean Ann Downey, Chicago, Elaine Maurer, Celina; and a brother-in-law, William Tarr of El Paso; and many nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by three brothers, Rev. Joseph Downey, S.J., John Downey and Bernard Downey and three sisters, Rose Marie Gradwohl, Dorthy Mohler and Zita Tarr and a great grandson, Joshua Parish.

Mr. Downey was a graduate of Lima St. John High School. He retired from Norfolk and Western Railroad. He then worked in manufacturing, warehousing and was a part time addiction counselor. He was a member of St. Gerard Catholic Church, and their Holy Name Society, a member of Right to Life, and the Knights of Columbus #2661.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Father Mike Houston as Celebrant. Burial to follow in Gethsemani Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, July 12 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home where a Parish Wake Service will be conducted Friday evening at 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home.

Mr Downey’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Lochhaven Apartments, Lima Convalescent Home, St. Rita’s Hospice and to the waitresses from Westgate Bowling Lanes for the kindness and care shown to their father over the years.

Condolences can be made at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com.