George Michael Downing

George Michael Downing of Quincy, formerly of the Bronx, NY passed away on October 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. George was a self-professed proud “BIC,” Bronx Irish Catholic. George’s journey began with humble roots, born to Irish immigrants, the late, Denis and Mary (Sullivan) Downing and raised in the Bronx. He proudly served as a Harvard University Police Officer for thirty-nine years. George was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need, from bringing students home for the holidays if they were unable to go home to meeting an Irish couple on the subway and offering them a place to stay when they could not connect with their relatives. Although not born in Ireland, he made several trips to visit relatives and assisted his dear friend, Jay Mulligan, in running a pub in Cobh, Ireland for several months. A proud U.S. Army Veteran, George served his county and, while stationed in Quincy, met the love of his life, Mary. They shared sixty-three years of marriage, raising their children in Quincy. Beyond his professional and military careers, George was deeply involved in local politics, actively campaigning for numerous candidates. Many of those he supported have since reached out to his family following his passing. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Duddy) Downing of Quincy, and the father of Mary Eglow and her husband Dr. Richard Eglow of Delmar, NY, Cathy MacPherson and her husband Peter of Hanover, Denise Downing of Quincy and Denis Downing, Asst. Chief, HUPD and his wife Susan of Hanover. He was the brother of the late Monica Weber and her surviving husband Thomas “TC” Weber of Woodlawn, NY and the late John Downing and his surviving wife Gail Downing of Port St. Lucie, FL. He was the cherished Pa to Erica Busillo and her husband Nicholas of PA, Michael Eglow and his fiancée, Claire Street, of Charlestown; Alexandra Eglow of New York, NY; and Matthew Downing and his fiancée, Danielle Easton, of Boston. Megan Downing and Colin MacPherson both of Hanover. He was the great grandfather of Sloane Busillo. George is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Tuesday October 29th from 4-8 PM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Wednesday October 30th prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church, Quincy at 10 AM. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to Life Teen SMASH and mailed to Life Teen SMASH, 392 Hanover St, Hanover, MA 02339. Donations can also be made online at LifeTeenSMASH.com/give or to Divine Mercy Parish, 386 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA. 02171

The Funeral Mass will be taped on Wednesday, for all those unable to attend, you will have the opportunity to view the funeral Mass  on his website.