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DOWNEY -- Allan K. Downey, 87, a resident of Albuquerque since 1972, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ophilia G. Downey of Albuquerque; children Karen Downey and life-companion Ed Blydenburgh of Beaumont, CA, Valerie Buseman and husband Ray of Mullica Hill, NJ, Alicia Rodriguez and husband Art of Cupertino, CA and Sean Downey and life-companion Abby Hough of East Montpelier, VT; grandchildren Brian Buseman and Darren Buseman and wife, Elizabeth "Biz", of Mullica Hill, NJ, Dane Rodriguez of Cincinnati, OH, Zeke Rodriguez of Chicago, IL and Katrina "Kat" Rodriguez of South Bend, IN. Mr. Downey spent 32 years in the service, retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. Born in Bradford, England his parents immigrated to this country from Ireland when he was three. He grew up in Rhode Island, joining the Army in World War II, and then serving as an Army tanker in Sherman M4s through Belgium and Germany. During his tour in the USAF he mainly ran aircraft maintenance shops - the largest at Cannon AFB, NM. Overall, including Vietnam duty, Allan accumulated 2,000 flight hours as an engineer, chiefly in SA-16 flying boats used in air/rescue missions. At discharge he held several battle stars (once rocketed at Cam Ranh Base, Vietnam), various commendations, and a number of service medals. After retiring from the service, Allan worked for Cutter Aviation. Mr. Downey was active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He was a kind man and a good husband and father and grandfather who will be very much missed by his family and friends. A rosary will be recited September 20, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at French, Lomas Chapel. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 21, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the Shrine of St. Bernadette, 11401 Indian School Rd. N.E. Private interment will follow at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date. Please visit our online guestbook for Allan at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Sun September 20, 2009