John Francis Downs

John Francis Downs, 86, of Candler, passed peacefully on Monday July 30, 2018 at Care Partners Solace Center. John was born in Peru, NY on December 30, 1931, to Bernard and Eliza (née Provost) Downs. John served proudly in the US Navy aboard the USS Bennington during the Korean War. He spent the majority of his career in education at Bayshore Public schools in NY as a Guidance Counselor. John retired in 1989 along with his wife Susan and shortly thereafter moved to Candler, NC. John enjoyed the mountains, traveling to see family, old Navy buddies and former colleagues. He also enjoyed gardening, and growing roses. Johns greatest joy was "porch time" with his family. John is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Susan; daughters, Laura (Jim), Dara (Josh), Lisa (Eddie), Donna (Joe) and Briana; step-Daughters, Debbie (Rob), Teri, and Sharon, who passed away in 2008. He is also survived by grandchildren, Dan, Jaclyn, Jacob, Audra, Erin, Crystal, Kathryn, Michael, Dakota, Braidy, Ehlana, Kylie, and Trinity, and great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Stella, Luke, Addison and Flynn. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Aug 3 at 11:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Rd., Candler, NC 28715. Lunch reception immediately following in the reception hall. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Briana and Braidy’s school- The Franklin School of Innovation, 21 Innovation Dr, Asheville, NC 28806 “A Life Well-Loved” - written by his beloved Daughter, Dara He loved the North Country of New York where he was born and raised --- a star basketball and baseball player and ‘Best Boy Singer’; picked apples in his family’s orchard and gorged himself on Michigan Red Hots at Nitzis. He loved the Navy, stationed aboard the USS Bennington during the Korean War and where he made cherished life-long friends. He loved his young family, started at the tender age of 23 and soon blossomed into a one-in-the-front, three-in-the-back station wagon full of little girls who grew up proud to be known as “The Downs Girls”. He loved the men who loved and married those girls. He loved his life as an educator, coach, counselor and confidant to his students in the Bay Shore, NY schools. He loved a good cocktail, an impromptu party, a hearty laugh and the Yankees. He loved to dance and could clear a dance floor while everyone watched his accomplished Lindy or graceful two-step. He loved his soul-mate Susan and his daughters-by-choice, Debbie, Sharon and Teri. Good thing he loves daughters. He loved his adopted city of Candler and the paradise he and Sue created in the mountains, which became the epicenter for family gatherings. He loved his many grandchildren and his “Littles”, who brought him great joy and comfort. He loved us all and we love him. FOREVER