Joseph "Paul" L. Downey's Obituary
Joseph L. “Paul” Downey of Leesburg, Florida passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the age of 75 years. He was born in Willow Springs Township, Wisconsin. Paul served in the US Army. In 1966 he married, Vivian. They moved to Leesburg in 1969 from Rockford, Illinois. Paul went to work for United Telephone (now Centurylink). Starting as a lineman, he later worked in commercial electric and ended his career working in the fire alarm and extinguisher division. He retired after 32 years of service. Paul was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Leesburg. He loved the outdoors. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing. Paul was a gun enthusiast, was a member of the National Rifle Association and loved going to the range to shoot. He was also a talented musician and country music fan. He played guitar, the bass and the harmonica. He also taught his children to play. Paul is remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife of over 50 years; son and daughter-in-law, Edward L. and Eleanor Downey of Lady Lake, Florida; son and daughter-in-law, Michael V. and Amanda Downey of DeBary, Florida; daughter, Audrey M. Downey of Leesburg; brother, Anthony Downey of Gainesboro, Tennessee; sisters, Lucille Schonagle of Floral City, Florida and Catherine Gent of Athens, Alabama; grandchildren, Hailey Western, Dawson Hartman, Andrew Downey, Edward Western, Joseph Downey, Sheldon Downey and Paul Downey. Family and friends are invited to gather for viewing on Wednesday, January 25 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in the funeral home chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday at 8:30 am at St. Paul Catholic Church in Leesburg. Burial will follow at Lakeside Memory Gardens in Eustis.
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