Thomas J. Downing of New York City and Westhampton Beach died at his home on Sunday, October 5, after a battle with cancer. He was 74.
Mr. Downing was born in Buffalo, New York, on July 30, 1934, to Cornelius and Mary Downing. After graduating from Fordham University in The Bronx in 1956, he joined the U.S. Army and served for five years at a Nike missile site in Germany. He would often say of his military service that he “courageously fought the Cold War.”
He was employed as a stock broker and continued to work until his illness made it too difficult to continue.
He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed vacations skiing all over Europe with his wife of 35 years, Mimi. He was also an active member of the Westhampton Country Club for more than 38 years.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Downing is survived by a son, Tom Downing Jr. of Westhampton; a sister, Mary Creahan of Buffalo; and many nieces and nephews.
A wake was held at the Nagel Funeral home in New York City on October 13, and a funeral mass was held at St. Stephen of Hungary Church in New York City. Interment followed at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Little Sisters of the Assumption, 333 East 115 Street, New York, NY 10029 would be appreciated by the family.
on Oct 17, 2008