Obituary: Lauren E. “Larry” Downes, 86, of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT - (From West Haven Funeral Home) Lauren E. “Larry” Downes, age 86, of West Haven passed away peacefully at the Hospital of St. Raphael on April 14, 2021. Larry was born April 27th, 1934.

He was a lifelong resident of West Haven, proud to be one of the original Savin Rock Rats.

Larry was one of 11 children, born to John and Elizabeth Downes. He is survived by his loving son William J. “Bill” Downes and his Fiancee Jennifer Beckwith, his only surviving sister Marylin McDaniel, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Lauren was predeceased by his loving and cherished wife, Frances McNamara Downes, as well as his siblings John, Carroll, Vernon, Earl, Tracey and Duane Downes, Roberta Morgan, Elizabeth Gorman and Elenore Mezzanotti.

Larry was a proud, loving husband and father. He was an US Army Veteran. Prior to his early retirement, Larry was an elevator mechanic and an honorary member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 91.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and proud of the time he spent as the commissioner of the West Haven Biddy Basketball League.

Larry enjoyed his sports, he was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants and NASCAR racing. Larry enjoyed driving his Mustang while listening to Willy Nelson and going to the casino.

You could always find him at the beach or the old D&D hanging with all his old buddies. His presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

The hours of visitation will be held Monday from 4-7pm at West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. His Funeral procession will leave the funeral home on Tuesday morning at 10:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Victory at 11am.

Interment will follow in St Lawrence Cemetery.