Howard L. Downing

Howard Lewis Downing, 91, of Wilbraham, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Life Care Center of Wilbraham. Born on March 22, 1933, in Blue Rock, Ohio, he was the son of the late Howard and Lucy (Bailey) Downing. He was predeceased by his wife, Anna (Alfano) Downing.

Howard grew up in Ohio, leaving home in 1952 to enlist in the Navy. He served aboard the USS Baltimore during the Korean War and had the honor of attending the Queen’s coronation in 1953. He met Anna Alfano in 1954 while he was stationed in Boston, and their marriage lasted for 64 years until her passing in 2020.

Howard worked in the wire and cable industry for the majority of his career. He briefly worked as an office cleaner at Harvard University, and in later years he liked to joke that he went to Harvard. He was known to wear a Harvard sweatshirt and cap on occasion. He also would always state on every birthday that he was “39”. This was a running joke to all who were close to him.

Howard’s work in the cable industry led him to relocate from East Boston to Springvale, ME, Shrewsbury, MA, El Dorado, AR, and finally Plainville, MA, where he lived for 30 years. He spent his last few years at the Life Care of Wilbraham, where he received excellent care from the nursing home staff and enjoyed taking part in activities with the other residents.

Howard’s hobbies included gardening, working around his house, and doing projects in his workshop. He loved spending time with his friends and family, especially with his two great-granddaughters. He was known for his dry sense of humor.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Diane (Downing) King of Pembroke, NH; his son, Robert Downing of Putnam, CT; his grandchildren, Jennifer Kenny of Paulden, AZ, Amanda Davitt of Hooksett, NH, and Jason King of Hampstead, NH; his great-granddaughters, Kelsey Davitt and Lily Kenny; and his siblings, Dorothy Morrow of Zanesville, OH and James Downing of Greenville, SC. He was predeceased by his sisters Irene Jenkins, Freda Meadows, and Hazel Haser. His youngest sister, Bonnie Angelo, passed away in April. He was predeceased by all of his wife’s siblings.

Howard leaves behind many friends and extended family members, including nieces and nephews in New England and Ohio.

Services and burial for Howard and Anna will be held at a future date at Massachusetts National Veteran’s Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

You may visit Howard’s tribute page at wilbrahamfuneralhome.com to leave your condolences for his family.