In loving memory of
George Thomas Downey

• November 22, 1937
• -
• February 19, 2020

• Share

George Thomas Downey, 82, Professor Emeritus of Worcester State University passed away on February 19, 2020 after a long illness.  He was born November 22, 1937 to Francis & Agnes Downey, of Worcester, Massachusetts.  He was a graduate of St. John’s High School and Worcester State College, served in the US Navy, and went on to earn both Masters and Doctorate degrees from Clark University.

He was a multi-year New England Champion swimmer and was instrumental in the development of the St. John’s High School first swim team. He was inducted into the St John’s High School Hall of Fame for his swimming achievements.

Other interests included golf, tennis and racquet ball.  He earned his fixed wing pilots license in the late 1980’s while simultaneously learning to fly helicopters.  He was an avid boater and scuba diver, completing many trips on the intercostal waterway from Maine to Florida and back.

He taught at The Ohio State University, retiring from Worcester State University in 1986.  He served as Chairman of the North Brookfield, MA School Committee for several years.

He went on to develop and manage Misty Harbor Resort, Sea Mist Resort, Harbor House Restaurant and Fiddlestix Pub in Wells, Maine. He also collaborated in the development of Misty Harbor Resort at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.  He established the resort management company Misty Harbor Inc. in 1986. Upon retirement from resort management he served on the Board of Directs of both resorts.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Sandra Gauthier Downey, his four daughters Debora Downey, Worcester, MA, Donna Batchelor, Winstead, CT, Derreth Downey, Wells, ME and Stacy Lane, Fort Myers, FL as well as six grand-children, Shauni & Ryan Batchelor, Ian Lane, Tyler, Hailey and Camden Morrison and two great grand-children Emma & Grant Warren (Batchelor).

There will be no services.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Salvation Army.

Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.