In Memoriam: William J. Downey Jr.

Bill Downey passed away on January 30, 2017 at the age of 89. He formerly served as president of Flavor Extracts and Manufacturers Association (FEMA) from 1986 to 1987. He was also a member of the FEMA board of governors. Downey worked more than 50 years in the flavor industry, including positions as a flavor chemist, vice president, flavor sales manager and new product development manager.

He created flavors for consumer products like alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, dairy products and candies while working for Fritzsche, Dodge and Olcott, FEMA, BASF and Givaudan. After his retirement, Downey continued to consult for flavor, food and beverage industries until he was 85.

Downey is survived by his wife, Yola Downey, whom he was married to for 30 years. He is also remembered by his daughter, Susan Smith, and his son, William R. Downey. His family also contains his niece, nine grandchildren, three grandnieces and five great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his two daughters, Dale Brown and Diane Genovese, after passing away from breast cancer.

There will be a memorial service held at the Captive Chapel by The Sea at 11:00 a.m. on February 21. Gifts in memory of Downey may be sent to the Shipley Cardiothoracic Center.