Tavern owner Michael T. Downey, 67

Michael T. Downey, 67, of Bennington, Vermont, died March 31, 2017, at his residence following a brief illness.

He was born in New York City, the son of the late Thomas and Theresa (Stuart) Downey.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era, serving as an honor guard for the President of the United States.

Prior to moving to Vermont, he owned and operated Downey’s Tavern, just down the street from Manhattan College.

An active community member, he was a member of the American Legion Post 13, the Knights of Columbus Council No. 307, and was a communicant of Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church.

He had a great sense of humor, and loved a good joke.

He is survived by nine siblings: Mary, Kathleen, William, Theresa (Boin), Barbara (Goldwasser), James, Celia, Margaret and Kevin Downey, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Bennington on April 7 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the family lot at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Valhalla.

Contributions can be made in the memory of Michael T. Downey to the Knights of Columbus Council No. 307 through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT, 05201.