Richard Downs

CHICOPEE-Richard “Dickie” Downs, 74, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dickie was born in Fitchburg, MA on July 18, 1938 to Dot Caswell and Charles P. Downs. He graduated in 1956 from Springfield Trade School, where he focused on Auto Mechanical Arts. He continued on to receive a Fireman 2nd class license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Dickie worked for Fred C. McClean, Mass Mutual and for Fontaine Brothers in his earlier years. He delivered the Springfield Republican more recently, and also met many good friends through his work with Meals on Wheels, where he enjoyed distributing meals since 1993.In the afternoon, he was most often spotted with his workout buddies at the Springfield YMCA.When not attending his grandkids’ local weekend sporting events, he shared his love of jazz with his dear friend, Peg Cole, his adoration of the Dallas Cowboys with his buddy, Jeremy Olsen and some seasonal hunting and fishing with his pal, Barry. Predeceased by his sister, Carole Downs, he is survived by his son, Michael Downs and his wife, Kimberly and his grandchildren, Cameron and Kylie of Granby, CT; siblings: Linda Fitzgerald and George and Peter Downs and his niece Brenda Fitzgerald all formally of Springfield, MA. The funeral services will be private, but a memorial service for his family and friends will be held in the near future. Michael wishes to thank the Great Springfield Senior Services for their friendship and support and asks that in lieu of flowers memorial donations please be made directly to them at 413-781-8800 ext. 140. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC 25 Mill St., Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. For full details visit www.nefcc.net