Bernard L. “Bernie” Downey

Bernard L. “Bernie” Downey, 90, of Muncy, died Thursday, April 23, 2026, at UPMC Muncy Place.

Born on September 8, 1935, in Williamsport, he was a son of the late Archie Downey, Sr. and Madge (Fitzpatrick) Downey. Bernie was a 1953 graduate of Williamsport High School and attended Lock Haven University and DePaul University, where he earned his master’s degree in Rehabilitation.

Bernie proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1956 and was honorably discharged as a Sargent E5. After the Army, his career flourished in various educational and healthcare roles, where he made significant contributions as a co-owner of DiaPrint, a Director of Continuing Education at Penn State University of Williamsport, a Director of Education and Guidance Counselor at UPMC School of Nursing, and he also served as the Director of the Emergency Room at Williamsport Hospital.

In addition to his impressive career, Bernie was a dedicated truck driver, embracing the independence of being self-employed. He was known for his compassionate service as a STEP Driver for the Office of Aging, where he forged many deep relationships with patients.

Bernie lived a rich and vibrant life, deeply embedded in his community and dedicated to his family. He married his devoted wife, Elizabeth, on November 24, 1990, and spent 35 wonderful years together.

In his personal life, Bernie was an adventurer at heart. He enjoyed thrill-seeking activities such as hill climb driving and drag racing, and he found solace in woodworking, farming, and raising beef cattle. He cherished time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, affectionately known as his “littles.” An avid reader, Bernie enjoyed diving into mysteries, historical texts, and westerns. His love for music found expression through his skill at playing the piano and organ, bringing joy to those around him.

Bernie was a proud member of many organizations including the VFW, American Legion Post 617, South Williamsport, (Blue Lodge), Scottish Rite, Williamsport, Allegheny Grange, Eagle Grange, North Central Pomona Grange, and Pennsylvania State and National Grange.

In a life well-lived, Bernie’s memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the joy he brought into the lives of those around him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Anstadt Downey of Muncy; his sons, Keith (Susan) Downey, Steven (Tamara) Downey, Chris (Kristin) Downey, all of Muncy, Jordan Downey of Williamsport, and Douglas Lockard of Montoursville; daughter, Heather (Todd) Hiller of Muncy; grandchildren: Steve (Lauren) Downey, Jennifer (Lori) Downey, Cameron (Daisy) Downey, Joshua (Alycia) Downey, Shawn (Mandy) Downey, Ashley (Robert) Heckrote, Jason (Danielle) Willits, Sarah (Chad) Hahn, and Ryan (Amanda) Downey; nineteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Bernie is preceded in death by his late wife, Virginia Coleman Downey, daughter, Anne Downey, brothers, Earl “Sonny” Downey and Archie Downey, Jr., and sister, Marge Lambert.

A Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home – Hughesville, 557 E. Water St., with Pastor Tim Snyder officiating. Burial will follow at Webster Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to Lycoming County Helping Our Warriors, 29 Lehman Drive, Cogan Station, PA 17728.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.