CHICOPEE – Gerald “Jerry” Downie, 69, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on March 20, 2025. He passed into Eternal Life at Holyoke Medical Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Holyoke on September 28, 1955, a beloved son of Irene L. (Januszkiewicz) Downie of Chicopee and the late James Downie, Jr. who was Called Home on January 23, 1990. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School, and was a lifelong resident of the city. He was employed for over 30 years at Ampad in Holyoke, then Berry Products in Easthampton, and retired in 2022 from Baystate Plating in Holyoke. Jerry was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother, Steve. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and many friends. He leaves his beloved wife, and best friend, Laura S. (Remilllard) Downie. They were married on April 15, 1994 and were blessed with over 30 years of happiness together. In addition to his mother and wife, he also leaves his three loving and devoted brothers, James Downie of Granby, Rick Downie and his wife, Jan, of Granby, CT, and Steven Downie and his wife, Michelle, of Chicopee; his dear sister-in-law, Jean Placzek of Westfield; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members and friends. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Linda Downie; and his three brothers-in-law, Mark Placzek, Edward Remillard, and Gerald Remillard. His family will receive friends on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. The parking lot is located in the rear of the funeral home. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
