Donald M. Downey

Donald M. Downey, Jr., of Bethlehem, PA passed away on June 11, 2013 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. He was born in Fountain Hill, the son of the late Sophie (Demko) and Donald, Sr.

Don, a Chevy man, early on found his pleasure, profession, passion and pride in his granddad's garage working on a 52' Plymouth, became known as "Dr. Don"; one good friend referring to him as "Renaissance Man". In his late teens, he and several good, lifelong friends formed the MATADORS HOT ROD CLUB of Bethlehem; whose main purpose was to cruise and charitably aid any disabled stranded motorists and get them moving.

He was honorably discharged August 16, 1962 from the U.S. Army 82nd Air Borne after serving in the Far East.

He returned to Bethlehem, established himself in the automotive field, and eventually owned and operated one of the city's oldest operating mechanical service stations in Bethlehem.

Membership affiliations include: GEEZERS, LATE GREAT CHEVY, MANDRA

AND WHEELS OF TIME JAMBOREE. He won numerous 1st place awards for his restored Classic 1962 Red 409 Chevy Impala Muscle Car showing it at Ag Hall, Das Awkscht Fescht, amongst others. He raced various vehicles at VARGO RACEWAY, CARLISLE, ENGLISHTOWN, MAPLE GROVE SPRINGFIELD OHIO RACEWAY, WIND GAP STICKS, formerly MOUNTAIN VIEW DRAGWAY, where in 1964 he won TOP STOCK ELIMINATOR in 8.2 seconds, one of many wins.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; son, Michael; sister, Shirley Fertal; two grandchildren, two nephews and his kittens, O.J. and Charlie.

Services have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Inc. Bethlehem and will be announced at a later time.

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531