Ray E. Downton

Ray E. Downton, 83, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2019 after a period of declining health.

Born in Grasmere, NH, on July 23, 1935, he was the son of Ray E. Downton and Dorothy (Muir) Downton. He graduated in 1953 from Manchester Central High School. In 1957 he graduated from Keene State College and in 1959 he joined the faculty of Memorial High School as a mathematics teacher. In 1961 he received a master of Mathematics in Education from the University of New Hampshire. Many of his students went on and became teachers of math which gave him a great deal of satisfaction. As a former President of the Manchester Education Association, Ray helped to develop the first Master contract. In 1977 he was appointed to the position of Assistant Principal at Memorial High School. In 1984, he received a Masters of Administration from the University of New Hampshire. Finally, in 1985, Ray was appointed to the position of Principal of Memorial High School, a position he held until he retired. Ray was a member of the First Congregational Church and served as a deacon for eight years.

Ray was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and friends more than words can say and helped countless others throughout his life.

Ray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara (Robertson) Downton; his son, Michael Downton of Hooksett; his daughter, Patti McGilvray of Hooksett; and four wonderful grandchildren: Andrew, Melanie, Meaghan and Molly.

ARRANGEMENTS: His Memorial Gathering will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, on Saturday, February 2, from 3:00 to 4:30P.M. followed by his Memorial Service at 4:30P.M. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ray E. Downton Scholarship Fund, Attention: Arthur Adamakos, Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH 03103.To view Ray's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.