IN LOVING MEMORY OF
S. Jay
Downing
January 29, 1962 – February 28, 2018
Obituary
Saratoga Springs, NY – S. Jay Downing, died unexpectedly at his residence, as a result of a pre-existing heart condition. He was 56.
Born on Jan. 29, 1962 in Schenectady, he is the son of Nancy (Carr) Downing and the late Samuel J. Downing, Jr. Jay graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in the class of 1980, where he was a member of the basketball, golf and tennis teams and was a recipient of the Charles S. Dake Memorial trophy for tennis in his senior year. He graduated from SUNY at Brockport in 1985 with a Bachelor of Professional Studies - Recreation Events.
Jay was employed by NYS Parks and Recreation at the Saratoga Spa State park from 1985 until the present. He was a former Elk of the Year and member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161, a member and president of the Sons of ITAM Post 35 and also a member of Saratoga Aerie #2586 Fraternal Order of Eagles.
For many years he enjoyed refereeing girl's high school basketball throughout the Saratoga area along with youth basketball leagues and at the YMCA. He had many interests including golf and always looked forward each year to the opening of the Saratoga thoroughbred race track. He also enjoyed watching the workouts on the Oklahoma track and consequently became good friends of many horse trainers at the track. Best times were had with his Saratoga friends on the backstretch as well and he truly loved living in Saratoga, where he was a genuine and loyal friend of many. He always rendered volunteering his assistance to anyone who needed his help anytime.
In addition to his mother of Saratoga Springs, survivors include his sister Holly (partner Paul Juron), many cousins and his two beloved cats, Obie and Siro.
Services will be conducted at 11am Wednesday (Mar. 14, 2018) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).
Following the funeral service all are welcome to join a celebration of his life and reception which will be held from 12pm-2pm at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane. There will be no calling hours.
Those wishing to remember Jay in a special way may make memorial donations in his name to the American Heart Assoc., 4 Atrium Drive, Suite 100, Albany, NY 12205 or to a charity of one's choice.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
Born on Jan. 29, 1962 in Schenectady, he is the son of Nancy (Carr) Downing and the late Samuel J. Downing, Jr. Jay graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in the class of 1980, where he was a member of the basketball, golf and tennis teams and was a recipient of the Charles S. Dake Memorial trophy for tennis in his senior year. He graduated from SUNY at Brockport in 1985 with a Bachelor of Professional Studies - Recreation Events.
Jay was employed by NYS Parks and Recreation at the Saratoga Spa State park from 1985 until the present. He was a former Elk of the Year and member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161, a member and president of the Sons of ITAM Post 35 and also a member of Saratoga Aerie #2586 Fraternal Order of Eagles.
For many years he enjoyed refereeing girl's high school basketball throughout the Saratoga area along with youth basketball leagues and at the YMCA. He had many interests including golf and always looked forward each year to the opening of the Saratoga thoroughbred race track. He also enjoyed watching the workouts on the Oklahoma track and consequently became good friends of many horse trainers at the track. Best times were had with his Saratoga friends on the backstretch as well and he truly loved living in Saratoga, where he was a genuine and loyal friend of many. He always rendered volunteering his assistance to anyone who needed his help anytime.
In addition to his mother of Saratoga Springs, survivors include his sister Holly (partner Paul Juron), many cousins and his two beloved cats, Obie and Siro.
Services will be conducted at 11am Wednesday (Mar. 14, 2018) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).
Following the funeral service all are welcome to join a celebration of his life and reception which will be held from 12pm-2pm at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elk Lane. There will be no calling hours.
Those wishing to remember Jay in a special way may make memorial donations in his name to the American Heart Assoc., 4 Atrium Drive, Suite 100, Albany, NY 12205 or to a charity of one's choice.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of S. Jay Downing, please visit our flower store.
Services
Funeral Home Service
March
14
William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home
Starts at 11:00 am
Celebration of Life
March
14
Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161
12:00 - 2:00 pm
S. Jay Downing's Guestbook
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