DOWNEY, John Charles, Dr. 1925-2005

DOWNEY, GROSSO

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 3/25/2013 at 00:19:20

[Waterloo Courier, Friday, March 4, 2005]

Dr. John Charles Downey, 78, renowned entomologist died in Sarasota, Fla, Feb 20, 2005. He was born April 12,1928, in Eureka, Utah.

John moved to Sarasota from Waterloo in 1988 when he retired as graduate dean of the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. He was formerly chair of the biology departments at UNI and Southern Illinois University Besides his research and teaching, he was one of the foremost authorities in his specialty - butterflies. John was past president of Sigma Chi, the Iowa Academy of Science, the Entomology Society of America, and the Lepidopterists' Society an international body of more than 1,300 scientists devoted to research.

He authored many scientific publications related to his field, including more than 50 papers in national and international journals, with contributions to the National Geographic Magazine and the Encyclopedia Britannica Downey's research was supported by the American Philosophical Society and the National Science Foundation. He also arranged exhibits at the Field Museum in Chicago and the Smithsonian Institute.

He served his country in World War II as a corporal in the Army Air Corps.

A memorial mass and rosary was offered Feb. 23 at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Siesta Key, Fla.

Survivors include John's beloved spouse of 56 years, Norine Downey; a daughter, Mary Ann (Frank) Grosso of Bradenton Fla; four sons: John C. HI of Caldwell, Idaho, Michael I. (Marty) of Boise, Idaho, Dennis J. (Linda) and Patrick J. (Linda), both of Caidwell, and Patrick (Sara) of Grand Prairie, Texas; and 12 grandchildren.

He was an exceedingly kind and gentle man dearly loved by his family Memorial donations may be made to Fbod for the Poor Inc., 550 S.W 12th Ave., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.

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