Michael Edgar Downs

WESTPORT | Michael Edgar Downs, 86, of Main Street, Westport, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital with his loving daughters by his side. A lifelong champion of his community, he began his journey on Jan. 27, 1940, when he was born in Plattsburgh to Edgar and Agnes (Coffey) Downs. He grew up in Peru and was a proud graduate of Peru High School. He held an enduring love for his hometown and took immense pride in his roots and the community that raised him. Following his high school years, he pursued higher education at Plattsburgh State University, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor's degree and earning his teaching certification. On May 2, 1964, he married the love of his life, Jean McDonough, in Keeseville, N.Y. The couple initially lived in Keeseville before making their home in Westport, where they shared many beautiful years and resided for the remainder of their lives. Jean passed Jan. 7, 2000. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves, eventually receiving an honorable discharge. During his time in the service, he worked in the medical field, a role where he not only found great fulfillment but also met many lifelong friends. He was profoundly proud of his distinguished 28-year career with the New York State Police, where he rose through the ranks to attain the rank of lieutenant. His journey of service began in 1964 when he attended the New York State Police Academy. Over nearly three decades, he was stationed at numerous locations across the state, but Troop B was truly his home and where he always preferred to serve. Among his many accomplishments, he was assigned to the NYSP Academy in charge of the Basic School, helping to train new recruits; he served as the Station Commander in Plattsburgh for many years; was promoted to be the Director of the NYSP Public Information Office in Albany, and served for three years on the NYSP planning staff for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. In this role, he was tasked with planning and implementing all phases of security and public safety for the games, coordinating meticulously with federal, state, local, and international agencies, and personally providing security for athletes and VIPs. Following his retirement from the State Police, Mike continued his lifelong dedication to public safety and security through several local roles. He spent numerous years working in industrial security at the International Paper mill in Ticonderoga, N.Y. Later, he brought his extensive experience to the Essex County Courthouse, where he served proudly as a court security officer for multiple years before retiring for good. Left to cherish the memory of Mike are his loving daughters, Jennifer Downs and Mary Kate Downs and her wife, Tami. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ruth Downs and Kathleen O'Connor; brothers-in-law, John Giroux and Michael McDonough (Bonnie); nephews, Matthew Downs, James McDonough, Jr., William McDonough, Michael Fisch, David Fisch and Michael McDonough, Jr.; and nieces, Karen Downs, Susan O'Connor, Lisa St. Pierre and Amy Nyhart; and a large, close-knit circle of numerous cousins and close friends who will deeply miss his stories and companionship. In addition to his beloved parents and his spouse, Mike was reunited in heaven with both of his siblings, Jerome Downs and his wife, Janet, and his younger brother, Thomas Downs. He was also predeceased by his nephew, Kevin Downs; his sisters-in-law, Barbara McDonough, Patricia Fisch (Robert), Susan Giroux, and Mary Ellen McDonough; and brothers-in-law, James "Danny" McDonough (Peg), and Colin McDonough. Calling hours will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at St. Augustine's Church in Peru. Committal prayers and burial will follow immediately in the parish cemetery. Following the burial, all are warmly invited to attend a reception at the Harmony Golf Course, 95 North St., Port Kent, N.Y. For those unable to attend these services, a celebration of life for Michael will be held in Westport at a later date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's memory may be made to the Westport Emergency Squad, PO Box 375, Westport, NY, 12993, honoring his lifelong commitment to public safety and community service. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Rd., Peru, 518-643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Michael Downs, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com.

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