MASSENA – David L. Downey, 67, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 27, 2022, at home with his loving family by his side.

David was born in Massena on March 27, 1955, to Allen E. and Jessie A. (Ebberts) Downey. He graduated from Massena Central High School and Canton ATC with a degree in HVAC. He married Joyce Pelletier, which ended in divorce.

David worked for a time with Kodak in Rochester. After moving back to Massena, he worked for Econo Fuels, before starting his own business, Downey’s Heating and Air Conditioning. David enjoyed playing ball, bowling, and golfing. He even got a hole-in-one at the Massena Country Club in 2008. David was also one of the biggest NY Jets fans you would ever have known.

David’s mother signed him up for the Sons of the American Legion as a young man. He became a Sons Squadron Commander, then on to County Commander, District Commander, State Vice Commander, and was elected Sons State Commander in 2001-2002. He was also a National Vice Commander East and was currently holding the office of Judge Advocate for the State. He was also a member of the Massena American Legion Lancer. David was also very active in the American Legion Boys state program, of which he was a counselor for over 20 years, enjoying every minute of it.

David is survived by his life partner of 27 years, Linda Weegar; his daughters, Leanne Downey and Michelle (Paul) Eckert, all of Rochester; Linda’s daughters, Hollie Ladison and Crystal (Tad) Mackinnon, all of Massena; his 8 grandchildren, Jacob Downey, Allie, and Trey Eckert, Kaydence and Cierra Ladison, and Gavin, Anika, and Piper Mackinnon, to he was known as “Paka”.

He is also survived by his brothers, Mark and Christopher Downey and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Randy and Steve of Massena and Paul of Oklahoma.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may call on Monday 1-4:00 PM, with a prayer service being held at 4:00 PM. Burial will be held in the spring in Massena Center Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, or visit www.cwf-inc.org.

Memories may be shared with his family, or condolences may be offered online at www.donaldsonfh.com.