Northborough - Milton "Mike" J. Downey, 86, passed away on April 30, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, after a period of declining health. His wife Dorothy "Cookie" J. (Schreiber) Downey died in 1988. He leaves behind his four children, Mark Downey and Dawn Schallhorn of Northborough; Robert Downey of Westford; Lynn Hitchings and her husband Jeffrey of Grafton; Diana Downey and Kevin Gelerman of Boston; four grandchildren, Haley Hitchings, Nicholas Hitchings, Brooke Downey and Katelyn Downey; his brother-in-law Donald Schreiber and wife Nora of New York; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Born and raised in Richmond Hill (Queens), New York, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Stabile) Downey. Mr. Downey attended Hofstra University for material science. He began his career in metallurgy working for GTE Laboratories in New York and later in Waltham for many years as a member of the technical staff before retiring in 1995. He went on to teach x-ray diffraction at UMass - Lowell and Boston University, retiring a second time in 2015. He was a major contributor and author on many scientific publications throughout his career. Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. His favorite pastimes were having coffee with family and friends, golfing and reading. Most of all, Mike loved spending time with his beloved children and grandchildren. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street Northborough. Mike's funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018 in St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street Northborough. Burial with military honors will follow in Howard Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org. First Visitation Thursday May 3, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Hays Funeral Home 56 Main Street Northborough, MA 01532 Funeral Mass Information Friday May 4, 2018 10:00am, St. Rose of Lima Parish 244 W. Main St. Northborough, MA 01532 Interment Location Friday May 4, 2018 11:30am, Howard Street Cemetery Howard Street Northborough, Massachusetts 01532