Philip “Rooster” White Downs, 82, of Punta Gorda, Florida, formerly of New York, died Friday, May 29, 2015 in Port Charlotte, Florida.
He was born February 18, 1933 in Southampton, L.I., New York, to the late Robert and Maude Downs. Known as Rooster by family and friends, spent most of his life in New York farming. Though his farm kept him busy, he found time to serve his community by volunteering his time over 33 years with the Southampton, L.I., NY Hook & Ladder Company. In his spare time, his interest and love of car racing, led him to enthusiastically sponsor many Modified car racing events and drivers, and devote long passionate hours to the restoration of numerous antique autos, trucks and tractors, while still finding time to enjoy with his beloved wife Deirdre “Dee”, whom after a short six years together, married in 1985.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Deirdre A. (nee – Doyle) Downs; mother-in-law, Margaret B. Doyle; daughters, Kimberly Downs-Foster, Cathleen Montanino, and Sharon Guarino; five grandchildren, Michael Downs, Ana Guarino, Brittany Foster, Grace Guarino, and Jillian Montanino; great grandson, Sean Downs; a sister, Maryjay McCabe; sister-in-law, Pat Guessregen; nieces, Debbie Downs and LouAnn McCabe; nephew, Robert Little Woof; best friends, Hope Corrigan and Robert Cox, and many more extended family members and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Peter B. Downs, brother-in-law, Robert McCabe, nephew Steven McCabe, and his only son, Kenneth Downs.
A Memorial gathering, starting at 5 p.m. and service at 7 p.m. celebrating Philip’s life will be held at Roberson Funeral Homes’ Punta Gorda Chapel, 215 Mary Street, on Wednesday, June 10, 2015. Further services followed by committal and interment will be held in his native New York in September, date and time to be announced.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.