Leo Downey

Leo Paul Downey was born February 18, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John and Marcella Downey. He graduated from Ridley Park High School in 1951, then joined the Air Force to see the world. One of his first stations was in England, where he met Pauline Hanmer, his future wife. When he returned to America, Pauline joined him and they were married May 21, 1955, in Essington, Pennsylvania. They welcomed daughter Carleen Rose (Nutt) in Florida, daughter Donna Marcella (Bingham) in Scotland, and son Paul Anthony, in Vermont. Leo was stationed in Corvallis, Turkey, England, and Viet Nam, then returned for a final year in Del Rio, Texas, where he retired from the military. The family then moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where Leo first worked at Tharp Motors, then began employment at Oregon State University, in the Motor Pool. Leo retired from OSU in 1998, after which he and Pauline enjoyed time with family, travel, and gardening. Pauline developed cancer in 2010, and Leo was her devoted caretaker until her passing in 2012. While attending a grief support group, Leo met Arvida Moore, and their friendship developed into love. Leo and Arvida were married in September 2014. After their marriage, Leo joined Arvida in many activities, including attending OSU Women’s Basketball and Gymnastics events, Corvallis Knights baseball games, travel, pickleball tournaments, and dining with friends. Leo is survived by his wife Arvida and loving dog, Rosie; his three children, Carleen (Randy) Nutt of Lebanon, Oregon; Donna (John) Bingham of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and Paul (Cindy) Downey of Forest Grove, Oregon. Grandchildren include Jason Baker, Kiel (Niina) Downey, Andrew (Rachel) Downey, Sean (Alexandra) Downey, Nicole Downey, Tiffany (Chris) Gilly-Forrer, and great-grandchildren Landon, Cameron, Harper, Evangaline, Eloise, and Emelyn. He is also survived by Arvida’s children Cindy, Linda, and Alan, their four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. There will be no service, but there will be a viewing on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, McHenry’s Funeral Home.

Tributes

Leo Downey

February 18, 1933 - August 17, 2024