Richard Allen Downey, Age 74, of Lynchburg, passed away on May 22, 2016, after a period of years in the grip of Alzheimer’s disease, but being attended by a fantastic Centra Home Health and Hospice staff.

He was the loving husband of Kathleen Downey for 42 years. Born on August 23, 1941, in Ambridge, PA, Richard was a son of William J. Downey and Susanna Gaydos Downey.

Left behind to cherish Richard’s memory are his wife, Kathleen Combs Downey; his daughter, Renee Downey Hyde and husband, Eric of Colorado Springs, CO; and his son, Mark David Downey and wife, Dr. Virginia Cylke of Lynchburg, VA; and his granddaughter, Harper Grace Downey; his brother, William Joseph Downey, Jr. and wife, Geraldine of Economy Boro, PA; niece, Christine Downey Amsler and husband, Doug Amsler of Ambridge, PA; and nephew, Michael William Downey of Conway, PA. Richard leaves a Goddaughter, Michelle Pavicic George and her family of New Brighton, PA; as well as, Kathleen’s parents, Wendell and Grace Combs; sister, Jeanette Combs Frabotta and husband, Frank, and their children and families living in San Diego, CA; and many friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and paternal aunts, Frances and Sister William Joseph (Anna Downey); and several maternal Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.

He graduated from Ambridge High School in 1959. Richard was a member of the 112th PA Air National Guard Fighter Group -Medics Unit out of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Richard was a 45-year employee of Sears, Roebuck, and Co. having worked in Ambridge, Conway, Monaca, Cranberry, PA stores, as well as Columbus, OH stores.

His hobbies varied through the years from model trains, photography, to computers.

A celebration of Richard’s life will take place at Lynchburg College, on Tuesday May 31, 2016, at 10 a.m. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may consider Alzheimer’s Association or Venango Youth for Christ, PO Box 27, Seneca, PA 16346, or a charity of your choice . THARP FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.