1929
Gerald
2015
Gerald 'Jerry' Mackenzie Downer
October 4, 1929 — November 20, 2015
STERLING – Gerald “Jerry” MacKenzie Downer, 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 20, 2015. He was born in Worcester, the son of Wallace W. and Veronica F. (MacKenzie) Downer and had lived in Sterling for over 60 years.
Jerry leaves his loving daughters, Kelly F. Downer of Sterling and her boyfriend, Charles Jones and Kim F. Fay and her husband, John of Westminster; a sister, Patricia St. Laurent of Monmouth, ME; his beloved caregiver, Liberty Benson; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a devoted employee, Earl Temple. Jerry was predeceased by thirteen brothers and sisters.
Jerry graduated from North High School and enlisted in the service in 1951. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict where he earned the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. Upon leaving the military, Jerry returned to work with his brother, Rex in the glass business. He later became the owner of Central Glass in Leominster with his daughters and had worked for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 81 due to his illness. He was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and was a 60 year member of the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189, both in Sterling.
Jerry raised his daughters with the loving help of his mother-in-law, Marion Hughes, cousin, Jean Findlay and the girl’s babysitter, Rita Leehy. Before Jerry’s sickness, he enjoyed gardening and farming. After his illness, he enjoyed all of his car rides, visiting friends, watching the gliders at the Sterling Airport and watching sports. He also enjoyed the many breakfasts at Lou Roc’s Diner with a special thank you to all the girls there. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. Funeral services for Jerry will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday, Nov. 25, with a 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Jerry leaves his loving daughters, Kelly F. Downer of Sterling and her boyfriend, Charles Jones and Kim F. Fay and her husband, John of Westminster; a sister, Patricia St. Laurent of Monmouth, ME; his beloved caregiver, Liberty Benson; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a devoted employee, Earl Temple. Jerry was predeceased by thirteen brothers and sisters.
Jerry graduated from North High School and enlisted in the service in 1951. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict where he earned the Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star. Upon leaving the military, Jerry returned to work with his brother, Rex in the glass business. He later became the owner of Central Glass in Leominster with his daughters and had worked for over 50 years, retiring at the age of 81 due to his illness. He was a member of St. Richard of Chichester Church and was a 60 year member of the Hiram O. Taylor American Legion Post 189, both in Sterling.
Jerry raised his daughters with the loving help of his mother-in-law, Marion Hughes, cousin, Jean Findlay and the girl’s babysitter, Rita Leehy. Before Jerry’s sickness, he enjoyed gardening and farming. After his illness, he enjoyed all of his car rides, visiting friends, watching the gliders at the Sterling Airport and watching sports. He also enjoyed the many breakfasts at Lou Roc’s Diner with a special thank you to all the girls there. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. Funeral services for Jerry will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday, Nov. 25, with a 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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