[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVID DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 11, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of David M. Downing, a diligent worker, kind employer, devoted husband, 
father, brother, and friend. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, 
David passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018 at the age of 53.
  David grew up in Orchard Park and graduated from Canisius High 
School. He continued to Princeton University where he earned his degree 
in History. While at Princeton, David played both golf and hockey for 
the University. After his time there, David returned to Buffalo to get 
his MBA from the University at Buffalo.
  Eager to apply his skills, David started working outside of the 
family business at Procter & Gamble and Rich Products in sales and 
marketing. However, drawn towards the family profession, in 1994 he 
joined his brother Frank Downing, Jr. at Towne Automotive Group, the 
business started by their father, Frank Downing, Sr.
  Together the two brothers worked side by side to grow their family 
business into one of the largest automobile dealers in the region. At 
one point, David even served as Vice President of the dealership, while 
Frank served as President. The brothers proved to be a good pair in 
business and worked together harmoniously. When Towne's longtime Chief 
Financial Officer Mike Smith retired, David assumed his role. In this 
position David managed the dealer group's relationships with banks and 
insurance companies, dealt with Towne's real estate and franchise 
agreements, and served as Frank's business partner.
  David's life was not all work as he cherished his time with his 
family as well: his wife Karen; four sons Joseph, Stephen, David Jr. 
and Ethan; brothers Frank, Stephen and Matthew; and two sisters, Molly 
Regan and Gretchen Cappiello. In his spare time he volunteered with 
non-profits and spent time with his wide and varied network of friends. 
All appreciated David's positivity and resilience in his struggle with 
cancer, his ability to keep moving forward despite hardship.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor David 
Downing's life and legacy. His impact on his community, colleagues, and 
family is admirable, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family, 
friends, and colleagues.

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