Obituary of Paul Woodward Downs

Paul Woodward Downs, who lived to his 89th year, died on October 10, 2013 in Dover General Hospital after a nearly five-month courageously fought battle with complications following open-heart surgery. Paul lived a vivacious life, filled with laughter, love, hard work, and adventure. Above all else, Paul loved his family and wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with them. As a devout Roman Catholic, Paul was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church for 64 years and served as an usher for 25 years. Paul was a WW II U.S. Navy decorated combat veteran who served in the European and Pacific theaters. He volunteered for the Navy Armed Guard, where he served as a gunner. As a Guardsman, he participated in a convoy to Murmansk and Archangel, Russia, which was among the most dangerous runs of the War. In 1992, the Russian Federation awarded Paul the Order of St. George, for his participation in it. In the Pacific Theater, Paul transported prisoners of war between China and Japan. In doing so, he developed a lifelong love of Asian peoples that drove his philosophies about peace and reconciliation. For his working career, Paul worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers L.U. 581 for 42 years as an electrician and Chairman of the Executive Board. As an executive, he led policy reform and development that had meaningful changes for the workers and increased public safety. As an elected official, Paul died during his second term as Alderman of the Town of Dover’s Second Ward, where he was first elected to office at age 85. He relished being an advocate of the underrepresented and the advancement of quality of life. To the family’s understanding, Paul was the oldest serving elected official in the State of New Jersey at the time of his death. His many friends in the Latino Community affectionately referred to him as “Don Pablito” for his work as a champion of those without a voice of their own. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Olga Delvey-Downs of Dover and his five children and their spouses: Paul D. & Regina Downs, of Sussex, Maureen O. & Bob Coleman, of Long Valley, Michael J. & Florence Downs, of Dover, Suzanne Keith & Christopher Lambert, of Dover, and Timothy P. and Sandra L. Downs of Dover. Also surviving Paul are his 12 grandchildren, including Timothy Downs, Patrick Downs, and Ella Downs, who resided with him. Paul also has as 5 great-grandchildren. Paul’s brother, James A. Downs, 93, of Dover, also survives him. He is predeceased by his parents, William E. and Ella M. Downs and his older brother, William E. “Bud” Downs Jr. Visitation Monday, October 14th, 2013, 3 – 5 P.M. and 7 – 9 P.M. at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State Route 10 West, Randolph (www.tuttlefh.com). Funeral Mass Tuesday, October 15th, 2013, 9:30 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, Dover. Entombment will follow at Locust Hill Mausoleum, Dover.