Peter Murdock Downes of Chepachet, RI passed away on February 8, 2022 after a brief illness due to complications of Covid-19, exactly one year after the death of his beloved “baby sister” Paula Gabrielle Niedmann and four years after the death of his devoted wife of nearly 25 years, Patricia “Patty” Kline. Born in Providence, RI, Peter was the son of Elden M. Downes and Anita Marie (DesJardins) Downes (Kerr). He is survived by his daughters Alane M. Downes (William B. Fall) of Harpswell, Maine and Hilary A. Downes Fortune (William T. Fortune) of Foster, RI and his grandchildren, Henry C. Fall, Rowan L. Fortune, and Isabelle “Belle” N. Fall. In addition, he is survived by his nieces Jennifer Jeremiah, MD, Jessica Jeremiah and Julie Haskell, and his nephews Peter and Paul Niedmann. Peter is also predeceased by his loving sister Jane Penelope “Penny” Jeremiah. Peter was kind-hearted, generous and non judgemental – all traits he shared with his mother and two sisters.
Peter (aka Dad and Grandpa Peter) attended St. Dunstan’s Day and Moses Brown Schools. He graduated from Classical High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Rhode Island College (RIC). He worked during his college years as a heating engineer for White Fuel Co. As a senior at RIC, Peter was President of the Canterbury Club and a member of Kappa Delta Phi. He also sang in the choir and participated in the Dramatics Club, Stunt Night, and the Song Contest. Peter went on to earn two Master’s degrees in Education and Administration from RIC.
During the Korean War, Peter was a Chaplain’s Assistant in the Army, stationed at Fort Mead in Maryland. Upon his discharge, he began teaching fifth grade and several high school subjects including French, a language he learned from his dear mother Anita, who was of French-Canadian origin. Peter was subsequently appointed Headmaster of St. Dunstan’s Day School.
In the late 1960’s, Peter established Concert Recordings, Inc. in Cranston, RI. As a sound and recording engineer, Peter worked at major events such as the Newport Jazz, Folk and Music Festivals and RI State Ballet. He also provided sound and recording services for high school and college concerts and various club venues throughout New England.
Peter served as Headmaster and Principal at two schools. He then became Coordinator of Educational Services for the RI Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) where he worked tirelessly to improve the educational opportunities of many young people until his retirement.
Peter had a beautiful singing voice and he sang as a young child with the late James “Jim” Hallan of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Providence. He also sang in the St. Dunstan’s Boy Choir. An early recording of him singing “Away in a Manger” at age nine exists to this day. As an adult, Peter sang in numerous choral groups, including the well-known and highly regarded Peloquin Chorale under the direction of composer C. Alexander Peloquin. He and his wife Patty sang in the choir at St. Michael and Grace Church in Rumford where Peter was the Senior Warden, and at Trinity Church in North Scituate.
Peter enjoyed visiting with his family and friends, cooking (his specialty was an award-winning cranberry, apple and cheddar cheese pie), gardening, square dancing, traveling and spending time outdoors. During the 1960’s, Peter was a canoeing instructor and trip director for Cragged Mountain Farm in Freedom, NH. He hiked and canoed extensively throughout New England. For several years, he was also an avid sailor and a member of the Barrington Yacht Club. Peter and Patty loved seeing the world on Holland America Cruises. Sadly, Patty passed away on February 3, 2018 at the age of 62. In his later years, Peter enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels on the deck of their lakefront home. He received excellent care at home from his kind-hearted caregivers for many years.