Milton J. Downey, 86, of Northborough

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Milton J. DowneyNorthborough – Milton “Mike” J. Downey, 86, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester after a period of declining health. His wife, Dorothy “Cookie” J. (Schreiber) Downey, died in 1988.

He leaves behind his four children, Mark Downey and Dawn Schallhorn of Northborough, Robert Downey of Westford, Lynn Hitchings and her husband Jeffrey of Grafton, and Diana Downey and Kevin Gelerman of Boston; four grandchildren, Haley Hitchings, Nicholas Hitchings, Brooke Downey, and Katelyn Downey; his brother-in-law, Donald Schreiber and wife Nora of New York; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born and raised in Richmond Hill (Queens), New York, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Stabile) Downey. He attended Hofstra University for material science. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

He began his career in metallurgy working for GTE Laboratories in New York and later in Waltham for many years as a member of the technical staff before retiring in 1995.  He went on to teach x-ray diffraction at UMass–Lowell and Boston University, retiring a second time in 2015. He was a major contributor and author on many scientific publications throughout his career.

His favorite pastimes were having coffee with family and friends, golfing and reading. Most of all, Mike loved spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m., in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. Mike’s funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 4, at 10 a.m., in St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial with military honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

For online condolences, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.

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