Obituary of Robert E. Downey

Robert E. Downey 73 years of Peabody, husband of the late Barbara Ann (Leonard) Downey, died Thursday at his home following a brief illness. Mr. Downey was born January 15, 1931 in Peabody son of the late Frank E. and Mary A. (Healey) Downey. He was raised in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School class of 1949. He resided in Peabody for most of his life with the exception of living in Salem for 12 years. Mr. Downey was a self-employed cabinetmaker for 40 years. Even thru his illness he was still woodworking. His entire life was devoted to his family and his work. He is survived by 4 daughters and 2 sons-in-law, Robin A. Downey and Donna M. O’ Leary both of Peabody, Nancy J. and Stephen McCarthy of Beverly, Jane D. and Marc Sances of West Roxbury; 2 sons and a daughter-in-law, Daniel R. Downey of Peabody, David L. and Linda Downey of Beverly; 3 brothers, John Jay Downey and William Downey both of Salem and Donald Downey of Peabody; 2 sisters, Betty McCarthy of Marblehead and Linda Stone of Maine; 7 grandchildren, Jacob, Emmaleigh and Chloe Downey all of Beverly, Christopher and Brandon Downey of Sunderland, Tessa and Meg Sances of W. Roxbury; several nieces and nephews. A grandson Andrew Downey predeceased him. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 20 Church St., Peabody location. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours Monday 5 - 8 p.m. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.