Roy L. Downey

Niantic, CT - Roy L. Downey went home July 31, 2021. His family was present to say goodbye. He was born January 21, 1923, in Bridgeport CT, the son of the late Elwood Joseph and Mary (Krosky) Downey.

Roy was a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport, CT. In 1942 he joined the United States Coast Guard and served as a Fireman First Class (Water Tender) in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II. In the Atlantic, Roy served on the CG-83472 off-shore Patrol Boat chasing U-boats and search & rescue missions along our southeastern seaboard. In the Pacific, Roy was stationed on the USS Tacoma PF-3 Patrol Frigate along the Aleutian Islands and Kuril Island chain where the ship served as a radio beacon to guide bombers into mainland Japan. At the end of the war, Roy served on the USS General William Mitchell (AP-114) bringing troops back home to the USA.

After the war, Roy worked as a Tool Machinist for General Electric and Bridgeport Brass while attending school at night to become a Tool Design Engineer.

He married Katherine (Kostrisky) Downey on July 18, 1955. Katherine (Katie) passed away November 5, 2019. During their time together Roy and Katie enjoyed their family, pets, boating, waterskiing, gardening and golfing. An avid golfer, Roy achieved several holes in one during his lifetime. He was a member of the Madison Country Club and the Oconee Country Club. He was a member of the Grand Lodge AFM of SC. Roy retired from Alinabal in Milford, CT as a Tool Design Engineer and in 1989 he and Katie moved to Seneca, SC and fully enjoyed their retirement. In 2016 they returned to CT to be near family.

Roy is survived by his children, Nancy Randall (Bob) of Norwich CT, Roy Douglas Downey (Donna) of Higganum CT, Allison Bartholomew (Gene) of Chester CT and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving wife and parents, Roy was predeceased by his brother Elwood J. Downey and by his best buddy-dog Merlin.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Roy requested that his ashes be placed in clean water on an outgoing tide. Katie and Merlin will accompany him. Donations in Roy’s memory can be made to your local animal shelter or Dept of Veterans’ affairs, Rocky Hill, CT.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.churchandallen.com

The Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St. Norwich is entrusted with arrangements.