Charles Richard Downes

Charles Richard Downes, 95 of Roscoe passed away on June 20, 2022 at the Mon Valley Care Center in Monongahela.  Born in Canonsburg on the March 10, 1927, he was the son of the late Samuel and Cora (Cominsky) Downes. 

Charles “Chuck” joined the United States Navy at age 17 during World War II and became a master mechanic, he was honorably discharged at the end of the war.  On June 20, 1948 Chuck married the one and only love of his life, Virginia M. (Densmore) Downes – they were married for 74 years.  The couple briefly lived in Chambersburg, PA then settled in Roscoe among family.  Chuck worked as a coal miner at the Banning Mine in Smithton for 11 years before joining the family business of Downes News and Lunch; as well as helping in the Downes Garage.  Downes News and Lunch in Roscoe was established by Samuel in approximately 1920 and in the mid-1970s Chuck took over the business from his father.  Virginia “Ginny” began working with Chuck in running the store once her youngest child started school and the couple worked together until they retired and sold the business in 1991. Chuck is a member of the Roscoe American Legion Post #801 and the Masonic Lodge #461 California.

Chuck is proceeded in death by his parents, siblings and his son, William Downes.  He is survived by his wife Ginny and 4 children:  Thomas (Patty) Downes, Kathleen, Samuel (GayLynn) Downes and Jennifer (Terry) Todd; as well as 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and his loving companion Buddy.

Chuck fiercely loved his family and would do anything for them, he shared his pride in their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.  Chuck and Ginny had 30 years of retirement and enjoyed wonderful vacations including 2 trips to Hawaii and many trips in their motor home.  Everyone knew Chuck from his News Stand and would stop him constantly to share memories of the street cars, the store and especially the hot coffee and “button” hamburgers.

Receiving of family and friends will be held on Friday July 8, 2022 at the Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. 1008 Furlong Ave., Roscoe from 11am-1pm and 2pm-5:30pm at which time services will begin.