Dennis Downey, 85, passed away February 24, 2021. He served in the U.S. Marines and spent much of his life in a successful sales career. He prided himself on his strong work ethic, and the respect and admiration he received from coworkers and clients, alike. Dennis was always known for his fun nature and the ability to make people laugh. This was most evident in the pranks and jokes he shared with his children.
Dennis was a very personable man and had a way of making everyone feel like they were the only one in the room during a conversation. He was a devout Christian, whose love of the Lord grew and was most evident in his later years through the bond, and daily scriptures he shared with his wife, and true love of almost 56 years, Ellie.
Dennis is preceded by his parents George and Fern; sister Phyllis and brothers Michael and Richard. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanore; his children, Kevin Downey and Nicolle Fritz; his five grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home on March 10, at 10:30 AM at 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required. If you are unable to attend, the family understands and respectfully requests notification.
Dennis was truly, a sweet,loving person, always positive and full of fun. I treasure the times that I got to visit with him and my dear friend Ellie, his wife. He shall truly be missed. Thank God for all of the beautiful memories. He was a wonderful family man, great father and true friend.
A wonderful man who lived life well! He will be missed.
My love and prayers go to the Downey family. Everyone in the family is so precious. And to my friend Dennis, I loved sharing your donuts, watching Flight of the Phoenix (many times) listening to honky-tonk and talking about how much you look like Clint Eastwood… See you again one day. Blessings and prayers to one of my favorite families… Karen
Frank and I loved Dennis and Ellie . He loved his Ellie with all his heart and of was so proud of his children and grands . A funny man who loved life and his Music , especially Rock and Roll . A great friend of mine and will be missed so much . See you in Heaven my Dear Dennis .
What you do between the DASH (your birth date and your death date) MATTERS! Dennis’ legacy is so rich not because of material things but how he treated people. We met Dennis in 2010 when he watched our house while we were away. What stood out was his kindness, gentle nature, and his honest and fair dealings. We genuinely enjoyed his company so much, it led to a great friendship with him and also, dear Ellie . The world was better for him being in it and we are blessed to have known him and had him in our lives. We know he is with the Lord and we’ll see him again. How blessed we all will be if we have impacted others as positively as Dennis did!
Ellie. I recall when Cristy and I came to Scottsdale in the early 80’s. We came by your house for a visit. Dennis told me about his sales career and encouraged me to look into sales. I did and had a wonderful sales career. Thank you Dennis. We will miss Dennis when the larger Napolitan family gathers. Blessings to you, Kevin, Nicole, spouses and Grandchildren.
Dearest Ellie, my heart is sad as you have had to say goodbye to your dear Dennis. May God’s enfolding arms of comfort hold you tightly as you go forward in His grace and strength.
Dear Ellie,
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I know you will miss him and will pray for you in your loss! Jesus will be your comfort, and His comfort is the best!
I send my love and a big hug sweet Ellie!
Love,
Kathleen Hall
Steve and I were deeply honored and blessed to have known Dennis. He was such a “GREAT” individual and we will truly miss him. Heaven got a special Angel the day Dennis left us. R.I.P. sweet Dennis we love you. ❤️❤️
My friendship with Dennis was defined by our mutual respect for each other’s love of family, life experiences, and a happiness in just being together. Simple acts, like having lunch together, going to a movie, or just hanging out helped me better understand the cornerstones of Dennis’ life were forged by his family, his strong faith, his many friends, and his service as a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi!
Oh, Ellie, Bob and I are so sad to learn your sweet Dennis has passed away. May God comfort you and give you the peace only He can give. We’ll be praying for you!
My heart hurts for you dear Ellie. May you feel God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead. My love and prayers are with you, and I am holding you close in my heart.
Dear Ellie, You must be full of thoughts that make you laugh and cry at the same time as you deal with losing your Dennis. You had so many years to share and I know your memories are full and will bring you so much comfort. You have the great peace of knowing that you honored the Lord with your decisions and I hope you find great comfort in that. I am thinking of you with love, Nancy Del Duca
Got to know Dennis through Ellie. He was a gentle soul and always had a smile. Blessed to know them
Londa Adams
How blessed Fred and I were to have you such a positive, joyfilled man in our lives. Happy memories for sure. Sending love and blessings and prayers.
Semper Fi my friend. You and your sweetheart are loved and respected by many. I’ll see you on the other side.
Dennis was truly, a sweet,loving person, always positive and full of fun. I treasure the times that I got to visit with him and my dear friend Ellie, his wife. He shall truly be missed. Thank God for all of the beautiful memories. He was a wonderful family man, great father and true friend.
A wonderful man who lived life well! He will be missed.
My love and prayers go to the Downey family. Everyone in the family is so precious. And to my friend Dennis, I loved sharing your donuts, watching Flight of the Phoenix (many times) listening to honky-tonk and talking about how much you look like Clint Eastwood… See you again one day. Blessings and prayers to one of my favorite families… Karen
Frank and I loved Dennis and Ellie . He loved his Ellie with all his heart and of was so proud of his children and grands . A funny man who loved life and his Music , especially Rock and Roll . A great friend of mine and will be missed so much . See you in Heaven my Dear Dennis .
What you do between the DASH (your birth date and your death date) MATTERS! Dennis’ legacy is so rich not because of material things but how he treated people. We met Dennis in 2010 when he watched our house while we were away. What stood out was his kindness, gentle nature, and his honest and fair dealings. We genuinely enjoyed his company so much, it led to a great friendship with him and also, dear Ellie . The world was better for him being in it and we are blessed to have known him and had him in our lives. We know he is with the Lord and we’ll see him again. How blessed we all will be if we have impacted others as positively as Dennis did!
Ellie. I recall when Cristy and I came to Scottsdale in the early 80’s. We came by your house for a visit. Dennis told me about his sales career and encouraged me to look into sales. I did and had a wonderful sales career. Thank you Dennis. We will miss Dennis when the larger Napolitan family gathers. Blessings to you, Kevin, Nicole, spouses and Grandchildren.
Dearest Ellie, my heart is sad as you have had to say goodbye to your dear Dennis. May God’s enfolding arms of comfort hold you tightly as you go forward in His grace and strength.
Dear Ellie,
I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. I know you will miss him and will pray for you in your loss! Jesus will be your comfort, and His comfort is the best!
I send my love and a big hug sweet Ellie!
Love,
Kathleen Hall
Steve and I were deeply honored and blessed to have known Dennis. He was such a “GREAT” individual and we will truly miss him. Heaven got a special Angel the day Dennis left us. R.I.P. sweet Dennis we love you. ❤️❤️
My friendship with Dennis was defined by our mutual respect for each other’s love of family, life experiences, and a happiness in just being together. Simple acts, like having lunch together, going to a movie, or just hanging out helped me better understand the cornerstones of Dennis’ life were forged by his family, his strong faith, his many friends, and his service as a U.S. Marine. Semper Fi!
Oh, Ellie, Bob and I are so sad to learn your sweet Dennis has passed away. May God comfort you and give you the peace only He can give. We’ll be praying for you!
My heart hurts for you dear Ellie. May you feel God’s peace and comfort in the days ahead. My love and prayers are with you, and I am holding you close in my heart.
Dear Ellie, You must be full of thoughts that make you laugh and cry at the same time as you deal with losing your Dennis. You had so many years to share and I know your memories are full and will bring you so much comfort. You have the great peace of knowing that you honored the Lord with your decisions and I hope you find great comfort in that. I am thinking of you with love, Nancy Del Duca
Got to know Dennis through Ellie. He was a gentle soul and always had a smile. Blessed to know them
Londa Adams
How blessed Fred and I were to have you such a positive, joyfilled man in our lives. Happy memories for sure. Sending love and blessings and prayers.
Semper Fi my friend. You and your sweetheart are loved and respected by many. I’ll see you on the other side.