John E. "Jack" Downey

75, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Judith K. (Boardman) Downey for fifty-four years.

Born in Providence, he was a son of the late James J., Jr. and Patricia (Doyle) Downey.

Retired Command Master Chief John Downey served continuously for the United States Coast Guard in reserve and active duty for 42 years. He was the first member of the Coast Guard Reserve to be put on active duty during peacetime.   He was a recipient of the prestigious Navy League, Douglas A. Munro Award that is awarded for inspirational leadership and professional competence. He was the first person to receive the Joshua James Keeper Award and bear the title of Ancient Keeper, which recognizes a Coast Guardsman with outstanding performance and longevity of service in boat force operations. After his retirement, Jack was the Narragansett Harbor Master from 2008 to 2012.

Jack was a legendary local mariner and a nautical historian.  He was a member of the Chief Petty Officer Association and was an honorary member of the Nantucket Anglers Club. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoyed boating, fishing, and NASCAR racing.

Besides his wife, he leaves his five children, Jennifer A. Sanford and her husband Raymond of Falmouth, MA, Heather A. Downey of Nantucket, MA, Shawn P. Downey and his wife Meaghan of Falmouth, MA, Ryan E. Downey and his wife Kiraz of NJ and Rebecca E. Orellana and her husband Carson of Sandwich, MA; siblings, James J. Downey, III of Wakefield, RI, Tricia Downey of Hopkinton, RI and Joseph “Michael” Downey of Charlestown, RI; nine grandchildren, Jayson, Justyn, Tahlia, DJ, Seamus, Ava, Carson III, Harrison and Jack; and a great-grandson Cameron.  He was the brother of the late Patience Palazio.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial Monday, August 29, 2022 at 11am in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow in RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter, RI. VISITING HOURS Sunday from 2-7pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory-SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, (Rt. 1A), Narragansett, RI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, 1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 220, Arlington, VA 22201 or to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Ste. 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.