Obituaries : * Joseph F. Downey; World War II Veteran

Joseph F. (Joe) Downey, a World War II veteran, died of pneumonia Monday at Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo. He was 86.

Downey, who was born Nov. 19, 1908, in Bloomington, Ill., moved from Santa Monica to Ventura County eight years ago, most recently residing in Camarillo.

He was a retired bartender and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Stationed in England, Downey, who was a staff sergeant, played Ping-Pong with Charles Herbert (Red) Ruffing, a Hall of Fame baseball pitcher who played from 1924 to 1947. By a twist of fate one day during the war, Downey had saved himself and some other servicemen by persuading them to join him at a Red Cross shelter instead of eating where they normally did in the Army mess hall. A few minutes later, a bomb landed on the mess hall, killing a number of personnel.

Downey enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Club Camarillo Senior Center. He also won a number of dance contests in his youth.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Marie (Mandy) Downey, who died 12 years ago on the same date.

He is survived by his son, Michael Downey of Camarillo; his daughter, Pattie Porter of Newbury Park; three grandsons and one great-grandson.

Visitation will begin at noon Saturday, followed by a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian burial, both at Padre Serra Church in Camarillo. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Brothers Griffin Mortuary in Camarillo.