Kenneth R. Downes

Rensselaer -- Kenneth R. Downes passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the age of 85. Born September 18, 1939, Ken was the son of the late Dorothy (O'Neil) and Gerald Downes. He graduated in 1957 from St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, where he played basketball, football & baseball. Ken went on to attend St. Michael's College, in Winooski, VT, and graduated in 1961 with a degree in business administration.

After college he worked for Wyeth Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA, then Helene Curtis, Chicago, IL, and retired from Eastern Sales & Marketing.

Ken was a Charter Member of the Southern Rensselaer County Boys and Girls Club. In February of 1974, he joined the Board, serving for over 40 years. He was awarded the 2009 J. Donald Leahey Commitment to Youth Award for his lifelong commitment to helping the youth of the greater Rensselaer County Area. Ken loved being around the Club and one of his goals was teaching them how to make foul shots!

Ken enjoyed watching sports, he especially loved the NY Giants, The Knicks, and NASCAR.

He is a Past Grand Knight of the Rensselaer Knights of Columbus #267 and a member of the Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073. Ken was married for 56 years to the former Nancy Condo. He loved being involved with all their nieces and nephews, attending their sporting events and keeping abreast of all the goings on in their lives. One of the fun things he cherished was dressing up as the Easter Bunny each year. He would go to the kids' house and leave them a toy. Additionally, Ken had fun dressing up as Santa Claus at Christmas to visit the nieces and nephews.

In addition to his beloved Nancy, Ken was the brother of Sheila (late Robert) Kelly of Sarasota, FL. and Patricia (late Ronald) Schultz of Cary, NC. He was predeceased by his brothers; Gerald "Parker" and Joseph "Duffy".

Further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Kenneth's family on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4-6pm at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer. A mass of Christian Death and Burial will be offered at St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, 54 Herrick Street, Rensselaer, Thursday at 10am. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Southern Rensselaer County Boys and Girls Club, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144, Donate Now ' BGCSORENSCO.