Paul Downey

ROCHESTER - Paul Downey, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Rochester on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010. He was surrounded by his loving family after battling a long illness.He was born in Boston, Mass., on May 16, 1941 and raised in Lexington, Mass. He was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (Dennehy) Downey. He was a graduate of Lexington High School and Suffolk University.Paul made Rochester his home 43 years ago when he began his teaching career at Spaulding High School, where he taught until his retirement in 1996. He was a teacher who was truly admired by his students whom he in turn thoroughly enjoyed. In addition to teaching, Paul was an avid golfer. His love for the game took him from attending Bald Peak Caddy Camp in Moultonborough as a teenager to becoming the co-owner and operator of Indian Mound Golf Club in Center Ossipee in 1968. In his 38-year tenure, he helped to turn the 3-hole course into a thriving and popular 18-hole golf course. Through his teaching and business, he developed countless wonderful and enduring friendships. His abiding sense of humor, his magnetic personality and his genuine love of people touched everyone who knew him. Paul was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sally (Ebbson) Downey of Rochester; his daughters, Kristin Bonazoli and her husband, James, of Reading, Mass., and Erin Swansburg and her husband, Chris, of Strafford; his grandchildren, Nicholas and Anna Bonazoli of Reading, Mass., and Charlie, Molly and Madeline Swansburg of Strafford; his brother, Joe Downey of Stratham; along with aunts, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John F. Downey Jr. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he positively impacted.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Charles Children's Home, 19 Grant St., Rochester NH 03867.Calling hours will be held Sunday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St., Rochester, N.H.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 11 a.m. in the St. Mary Church on Lowell Street in Rochester.Burial will be in the St Mary Cemetery in the Spring.Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits.