Rev. Fr. David C. Downey

Requiescat in pace. Reverend Father David C. Downey, age 67, Pastor of St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington FL, died at 6:49 PM on June 5, 2026. Born February 7, 1959. Father was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Downey and Mary Downey, and his siblings Matthew, Edward and Diane Downey, all of Chicago.

Prior to entering the seminary for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fr. Downey worked for many years as a Registered Nurse. He spoke fondly of his years as a member of the Congregation of Alexian Brothers in Chicago. Father attended Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston MA, and was ordained to the Priesthood on May 24, 2003, by then Bishop Sean P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. at St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral. Father Downey served for six years at St. Peter, Jupiter; two years at St. Joan of Arc, Boca Raton; two years at St. Luke, Palm Springs; two years at St. Clare, North Palm Beach, and since July of 2015-as Pastor St. Therese de Lisieux, Wellington.

He is survived by his adopted sister, Helen Beattie of Palm Beach Gardens and her blood family, as well as long-time family friend - Rev. Peter J. Muha of Merrilliville, IN; Dr. Ronald H. Hoover of Chicago, IL; William M. Uhlarik of Corpus Christi,TX; Christopher G. Tisler of Caledonia, WI; Kathleen F. Pietka and family of Coral Springs, FL, and paternal cousin Patricia (Tony) Pierannunzi of Narragansett, RI

Fr. Downey never forgot the special welcome he received at St. Therese shortly after his arrival from the Leaders of the 9:30am Sunday Mass Choir, as well as from the then President and numerous members of the Parish's CCW. The then "9:30am Mass Children's Liturgy" leader and family also provided many memorable moments during his years at St. Therese. May God- "reward them all in kind."

Deacons Del Valle, Payne, Rodriguez, and Muller, as well as the dedicated Lay Staff at St. Therese were a tremendous support to Father over the years. He often spoke of his appreciation for them and was sincerely grateful. Father was a Member of the St. Therese Council of the Knights of Columbus, who were always a fraternal support over the years.

May Fr. Downey's soul, and those of all the Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Funeral Mass is Private. Burial will take place in his family plot at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery-Justice, IL, also Private.

Mass Intentions very much appreciated. Memorials may be made to the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist-4597 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48105