Marlborough – Harold F. Downey Sr., 91, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation of Marlborough.
Born in Marlborough, he was the son of the late Leo and Louise (Dupuis) Downey and the husband of the late Eleanor (Severance) Downey.
A veteran of World War II, Mr. Downey served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a ship's cook and baker. He had been employed in the circulation department at the Marlborough Enterprise for many years before retiring in 1984. He then went to work as a courier for St. Mary's Credit Union, retiring several years ago.
A member of the former St. Mary's Parish, he enjoyed gardening and building model airplanes. He had a large and varied collection of tropical fish and was a member of the International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers, winning numerous awards throughout the years. His ability on the dance floor was surpassed only by the enjoyment it gave him along with his love of roller skating at the former Lyonhurst Ballroom.
He is survived by his sons, Harold Downey Jr. and his wife Gail of Stow and Wayne Downey of Yarmouth; his daughters, Gayle DiRico and her husband James of Marlborough and Lynne Montague of Hudson; his brother, Robert Downey and his wife Ginny of Marlborough; his grandchildren, Lisa and Steaven Montague, Christopher and Kyle DiRico and Jillian Downey; five great-grandchildren; and his longtime dance partner, Hazel Thompson of Westford. He was also the grandfather of the late Tom Montague.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc., 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Beach Street in Marlborough. Visiting hours will be held Monday, Jan. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Activities Fund at Kindred Transitional Care, 400 Bolton St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
