John J. Downes, b. 1916 San Francisco, father John, Kilrush

[smcarberry]

8 Feb 2008 in a San Francisco CA (USA) online newspaper

"John Joseph Downes 91, of Larkspur, died at Marin General Hospital on February 7, after a long and wonderfully blessed life. Born on September 26, 1916, in San Francisco to Irish immigrant parents, Catherine (McNally) of Strokestown, County Longford, and John Joseph Downes of Kilrush, County Clare, John graduated in 1934 from St. Ignatius High School. In 1938, awarded the summa cum laude, he was chosen to give the valedictory address at the San Francisco Opera House for his University of San Francisco [Jesuit institution] graduating class. John then traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned his Juris Doctor at Harvard University in 1941. After working as an attorney for the United States government in Washington, D.C., he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as captain in its Department of Transportation for the duration of World War II. Returning to San Francisco, he served on the board of the Catholic Social Service Agency and worked for many years in law and banking, retiring as executive vice-president and chairman of the Trust Department of Crocker Citizens Bank. One of his greatest delights was the 20 years he spent in service to Dominican College (now Dominican University), for eight years as a board member of the Mother Mary Raymond Scholarship Fund and for the following 12 years on Dominican's Board of Trustees. He was preceded in death by his greatly loved sister, Marion Downes O'Dea; his brother-in-law, Martin T. O'Dea, Sr.; his adored nephew Marty O'Dea and his dear niece Monica O'Dea. 'Uncle Shan' to many, he is survived by his niece Catherine...; his nephew Brian ..., and their spouses... He is also survived by his greatly adored and adoring grandnieces and nephews...To his constant amazement and delight, he is also survived by several great-grandnieces and nephews... Following a 4:30 P.M. visitation at St. Patrick's Church on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, there will be a vigil at 5:30 P.M. On Thursday, February 14, at 10:30 A.M., a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in his honor."

posted by Sharon Carberry
found just in passing