Thomas J Downes

Thomas J. Downes, Sr., age 98, of Townsend, DE passed away on Friday, February 27, 2015 at home.

Mr. Downes worked as an Operating Engineer for Local 542 starting August 6, 1941. He retired in 1978 after 55 years of service. He was a navy veteran of WW II, a member of the Nur Temple, St. John # 2, and the American Legion. He worked on both spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and was an apprentice instructor for Operating Engineers and a master mechanic for several Dupont construction jobs.

He was predeceased by his wife, Maryellen McGovern Downes, his parents, Hattie and William Thomas Downes, his step father, Theron Cruise, and his brothers and sisters, Joseph, Thomas, Marion, Vernon, Margaret, Dorothy, Ann, Catherine and Bernard.

He is survived by his sons, William A. Downes and his wife, Toni of Townsend, DE; Thomas J. Downes, Jr., of New Castle, DE; his grandchildren, Shauna, Angie and Buddy; his great grandchildren, Madison and Bentley, his brother, Robert E. Downes of Orlando Fl., and his sister, Jean Dalecki of Newark, DE.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 6 from 11 am-12 pm at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd. Pike Creek. A committal service will follow at 1 pm at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901.

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