Obituary of Richard H. Downes

Richard H. Downes, age 88, of Mashpee, formerly of Weymouth, died on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the Wingate at Silver Lake in Kingston. Born in Portland, Maine, he was the son of the late James & Eloise (Hern) Downes. Richard grew up in Somerville. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17, and served as a radar operator on a sub-chaser in World War II. He had a passion for the sea and sailing wooden boats. For many years, Richard volunteered for the South Shore Humane Society. He was the beloved husband for 66 years to the late Betty (Hatch) Downes; devoted father of Lesley & Robert Frazar of Russell, MA and Nancy & Michael Palimeri of North Carver, MA; loving grandfather of six and great-grandfather of six and dear brother of Donald Downes of North Andover, MA. Funeral and interment services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the South Shore Humane Society, P.O. Box 850187, Braintree, MA 02185.