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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JOSEPH

MICHAEL DOWNEY

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Corvese, Chippendale,
Speakman, Serpa, Donovan, Spears, Ajello, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: January 15, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Joseph

Michael Downey, better known as Michael Downey to his family and many friends; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Michael Downey was born in Providence, the son of James Downey,

Jr., and Patricia Downey. He was the beloved husband of Claudette Downey for nearly fifty

years; and

     WHEREAS, Michael Downey graduated from LaSalle Academy and later attained a

Master Plumbing License by completing a five-year apprenticeship program. Mr. Downey served

the State of Rhode Island with distinction as a plumber for thirty seven years, rising to the

position of Chief Plumbing Investigator, where he was known and highly respected for the

diligence with which he went about performing his duties and for his tireless work ethic; and

     WHEREAS, Michael Downey is perhaps best known for his work as a labor leader and

for his unyielding advocacy on behalf of Rhode Island State workers. Mr. Downey served with

distinction as the President of union Local 528 where he represented the workers at the University

of Rhode Island. From 2005 to his passing, Mr. Downey served as the President of AFSCME

Council 94, where he fought tenaciously for the rights and well-being of more than ten thousand

State employees; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Downey also served his local community in an elected position as a

member of the Charlestown Town Council, and as the Chairman of the Tax Assessment Review

Board. He also served on numerous boards and committees, including the University of Rhode

Island’s Affirmative Action Committee, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO Executive Board, the Rhode

Island Retirement Board, the Rhode Island Institute of Labor Studies, and the Veterans Memorial

Museum in Woonsocket. Mr. Downey loved sports and was a passionate fan of the Red Sox,

Celtics and Patriots, and also enjoyed spending time on the Breachway, patronizing various

Charlestown Coffee shops, and served as an assistant in the St Mary’s/St. James education

program; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife Claudette, Mr. Downey leaves behind his children,

Corey, Faith and Michael, his daughters-in-law Megan and Marissa, his son-in-law Manuel, and

his grandchildren, Grace, Camden, Mason, Lily, Connor, Brennan, Leonora, Warren, and Nolan

J. Michael; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its condolences to the Downey Family on the passing of Joseph Michael Downey; and

be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Claudette Downey.

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