Obituary of Gary Downing

DENMARK -- Gary Ralph Downing, 75, of Denmark, formerly of New York, passed away on Oct. 20, 2020. There will be calling hours on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur. Born in Gouverneur, he was the son of the late Harvey Downing and Francis Dane Downing. He earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice and was a Mason in New York. Gary retired from St. Lawrence County Sheriff Department and also Savannah River Plant, where he worked in security for Wackenhut. Gary was a volunteer with the Denmark Fire Department and attended Bushy Pond Baptist Church. Survivors include his daughter, Jodi (Frederick) Upshaw of Las Cruces, New Mexico; brothers, David (Debbie) Downing, Duane (Becky) Downing, all of New York; grandchildren, Jacob Christiansen and Jessica Dishaw. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Downing. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.