Richard E. “Rich” Downer Sr., 74, of Tidioute, Pa., formerly of New Eagle, died on Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pa. He was born Feb. 20, 1950, in New Eagle, son of the late Francis E. and Laura M. (Hill) Downer. On June 23, 1969, in Winchester, Va., he married Cynthia M. “Cindy” Signorini Downer, who survives. Richard was proud to have worked as an iron worker for Iron Workers Local Union No. 3 in Pittsburgh, from 1978 until his retirement in 2003. He was a member of Charleroi Monongahela Lodge No. 337 Free and Accepted Masons and the Valley of Coudersport Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed gardening and time spent working in his garage. Above all, his favorite times were those spent with his family. He is survived by his son, Richard E. Downer Jr., and his wife, Lee of Monongahela; his daughter, Carrie A. Downer of Hermitage, Pa.; three grandchildren, Joshua Downer of Sharpsville, Pa., Brooke Scheidemantle and her husband Bryan of New Wilmington, Pa., and Gage Downer and his wife Bailey of Erie; three great-grandchildren, Hayden Scheidemantle, Molly Downer and Raegan Scheidemantle. There will be no public visitation. A memorial gathering will be announced by the family at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of NORMAN J. WIMER FUNERAL HOME of Tionesta, Pa. In honor of his wife, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 28 West 44th St., Suite 609, New York, NY 10036. Messages of sympathy may be left at www.wimerfuneralhome.com or find us on Facebook.
