Thomas P. Downing, 89, of Oceanport, passed away May 28 peacefully surrounded by his family.
Tom was born in Brooklyn, New York to his parents Richard and Margaret who were second generation Irish immigrants, originally from the West Village in Manhattan. Tom’s parents relocated to rural Great Kills in Staten Island when he was very young. His mother raised him, his sister Catherine, brother Richie and four foster brothers and sisters during the great depression.
Tom graduated St. Peter’s Boys High School and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Upon returning from the service, he worked a few years for Con Edison before joining the New York City Police Department where he worked for 28 years in Greenwich Village and at Staten Island’s 122 Precinct. He met and was married 58 years to the love of his life Eileen with whom he raised six children on Staten Island before relocating to Oceanport 40 years ago.
Tom was known as the most easy going and kind guy by everyone who ever met him. As an NYPD officer he earned the nickname “The Monsignor” for his uncanny calmness and ability to quickly diffuse tense situations. That demeanor made him a dearly loved son, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. His family will miss him dearly.
Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen, son Terrence, brother Richard, sister Catherine, brother-in-law Bob Sullivan and son-in-law Joe Kapusta. He is survived by his sons Thomas (Patty), Michael (Jill), John (Maura) and daughters, Eileen and Anna; grandchildren Terrence, Thomas, Kenneth, Timothy, Kerry, Megan and Caitlin; great-grandchildren Terrence and Jack; sister-in-law Maureen Sullivan and brother-in-law Raymond (Mary) Reilly; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was May 30 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 31 at St. Michael’s Church, Long Branch. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island, New York.
