Obituary of Gerald P. Downs

Gerald P. Downs, age 80 of Ransomville entered into rest after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston. Gerald was born May 20, 1931 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late Herman and Dawn (Kaumyer) Downs. He attended local schools and was a 1949 graduate of LaSalle High School. A Veteran of the Korean War, Gerald entered the U.S. Navy in August of 1950. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea and was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in June of 1954 with the rank of Aviation Boatswain 3rd Class. On July 17, 1953 he married Augustina (Tina Prieto) Downs. After his discharge from the Navy Gerald worked for Nabisco Shredded Wheat, Sinclair Oil, and for the Carborundum Co. in Niagara Falls, where he worked for 30 years, retiring from there as a Supervisor. He continued working at Holy Trinity Cemetery, and at Dorwood Trailer Park until his full retirement. He was a member of Immaculate Conception RC Church in Ransomville, the Disabled American Veterans Nolan Chapter # 50, and the Commanders Club of the DAV. He was also a former member of the Jaycees. Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and going to the casino. In addition to his wife, Tina, he is survived by his beloved children, Mark (Tracy Bassler) Downs, Dawn Clause (Rick Cassett), Bruce Downs, Paul (Michelle) Downs, and Gerry Downs; his beloved grandchildren, Angela, Maurena, Adrienna, Terry, Jeramie, William, Andrew, Eric, Stephen, and Crystal; his sisters, Betty Schwenk, and Dorothy (Joseph) MacVittie; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Downs, a son in law, Ross Clause, and a brother in law, Bill Schwenk. , Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Thursday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 9, at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception RC Church,4671 Townline Rd. (Rte.429) Ransomville, with the Rev. Joseph Badding officiating.(Please assemble at Church). Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the So. Wilson Volunteer Fire Co. Memorial Fund, 4194 Chestnut Rd., Wilson, NY 14172 or to the Wilson Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 609, Wilson, NY 14172.