Joseph T. Downs

Joseph T. Downs, 71, of Bellingham, MA, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Born in Natick, MA, Joseph was the son of the late Robert Charles and Rita Elizabeth (Hayes) Downs.

Joseph was a veteran of the United States Navy.  During the 1970’s Joe served as a nuclear reactor operator on the USS George Washington Carver submarine (SSBN 656) based in Rota, Spain.

After serving in the Navy, Joe worked as a software engineer in different startup companies as well as larger network companies.  Joe retired from his last role as principal engineer at Crossbeam Systems in Boxborough Mass.

Music played an important role in Joe’s life.  He played guitar and piano but it was the bass that he enjoyed the most.  Joe was known as “one of the best bass players around”.  Joe’s bass playing improved the rhythm section of many local bar bands over the last 45 years.  He will be sorely missed by the music community.

Joe also excelled in physics and mathematics.  Solving mathematical problems was one of his passions, but for the past 50 years he always looked forward to his yearly camping trips to Maine with his lifelong friends.  Thankfully, he was able to make that trip for the last time in August.

He is survived by three brothers, Robert Downs of Bedford, MA, John Downs of Bellingham, MA and David Downs of Denver, CO, and three sisters, Maureen O’Neil of Brookline, NH, Rita Bell of Holliston, MA, and Helen Downs of Sarasota, FL, and many nieces and nephews He was also the brother of the late Charles Downs, Daniel Downs, Jeanne Finnerty and Anna Downs.

He will be deeply missed by his best friends of 55 years, John Burke and Bob Coffin. 

Joe is also survived by his friend Hien Bui who will miss him dearly.

Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 4-7 PM at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, NATICK COMMON. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 12:45 PM at the Bourne National Cemetery.  Please arrive at the cemetery by 12:30. The service is 15 minutes long.

"In lieu of flowers, please support any veteran organization of your choice".

For directions or to send Joe’s family online condolences please visit- www.everettfuneral.com

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