Published: 10/15/03

Thomas K. Downs

New Paltz, NY — Thomas "Tom" K. Downs, 59, of New Paltz, N.Y., passed away on Oct. 13, 2003, at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie.

He was born Feb. 15, 1944, in Peru, N.Y., son of the late Edgar and Agnes (Coffey) Downs.

Tom lived in New Paltz, N.Y., since 1972, prior to that in Schenectady. He was a retired tax auditor working at Department of Labor in Poughkeepsie.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in New Paltz serving as a parish council member, usher, Barbara Kensitt Committee; Executive Board of the Public Employee Federation; Council Leader, Department of Labor, 6 counties; Hospice volunteer; Knights of Columbus Cardinal Spellman Council 5800; Ancient Order of the Hibernians Kingston; and CYO coach and manager; New Paltz baseball association, coach, manager, board member.

He will always be remembered for his quotes, especially, "I’m here to help you".

Survivors include his wife, Ruth (Schlomann) Downs; a son, Matthew Downs of Arlington, Va.; two brother, Jerome Downs and his wife Janet Downs of Peru, N.Y., and Michael Downs of Westport, N.Y.; nieces, Karen, Jennifer and Mary Kate Downs; and a nephew, Kevin Downs.

Calling hours will be held at Copeland Funeral Home Inc., on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral service will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church New Paltz in New Paltz, N.Y. Cremation will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Foundation Inc., 334 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401

Arrangements by Copeland Funeral Home Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, N.Y.

MARTIN A. YANDO, 39, of State Route 122, Constable died Monday, Oct. 13, 2003, at Alice Hyde Medical Center.

He was born Aug. 22, 1964, in Malone, the son of Armand and Sandra J. Dame Yando.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the St. Mary-Murphy Funeral Home chapel. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Constable, with the Rev. Francis Flynn officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are through St. Mary-Murphy Funeral Home.

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