Charles R. Downing

August 18, 1926 - May 18, 2019

Charles R. Downing, 92, of Hackettstown, N.J. passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019. Charles was born on August 18, 1926 in Gloversville, N.Y., the son of Charles A. Downing and Joanna Ackerbauer Downing. He was a 1944 graduate of Gloversville High School and later earned a B.S. in Biology from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. (1950) and an M.S. in Botany from Cornell University (1954). Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II as a signalman in the U.S. Navy Armed Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Signalman Third Class. He was awarded the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. Charles was a senior research biologist with Mobil Chemical Company for 23 years. Most of his working career was spent in plant science research with Mobil and other employers. Charles was married to Margaret O’Connor on May 29, 1954 at Sacred Heart Church in Gloversville, N.Y. Mrs. Downing passed away earlier this year. Following his career, they lived in Albany, N.Y., Frederick, Md., Richmond, Va., and Metuchen, N.J. before retiring to Northville, N.Y. in 1995. Charles was interested in local history and natural science, especially the FJ&G Railroad and the Sacandaga Reservoir (Great Sacandaga Lake). He was the past Treasurer of the Northville/Northampton Historical Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Francis Council 884. He was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Northville, N.Y. He is survived by one son, Charles Michael Downing of Washington, N.J.; three daughters: Mary Jo Savulich and husband Andrew of Hudson, N.Y.; Margaret Susan DeWitt and husband Craig of Bridgewater, N.J.; and, Sabina (“Ina”) Downing of Morristown, N.J.; three grandsons: Matthew Steven DeWitt and wife Alaina, Nicholas Charles Savulich and William Michael Savulich and two great grandsons: Jack DeWitt and Benjamin DeWitt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis on May 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. A burial service will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Northville, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Church or to a charity of one’s choice.