John F. Downie, 29, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Born on February 19, 1993, in State College. He was the son of Frank C. and Kathianne M. (Manolovich) Downie.
John was a distinguished honor graduate of Penns Valley Area High School in 2011 and in 2016, he graduated from Slippery Rock University with honors, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management. While studying abroad at the Aberystwyth University in Whales, he gained friendships which he maintained even after he returned home.
John worked alongside his father at the family farm. He also worked as a cook at the Nittany Lion Inn and spent many years as a cook at Brother’s Pizza in Centre Hall. He attended the St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox church in Aliquippa and the Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall.
John was an athlete who enjoyed playing baseball, but the sport he excelled in and loved the most was soccer. He loved the outdoors, whether he was hiking the woods or surfing in the ocean, he was in his element. He liked to travel to Slippery Rock and visit with the friends he made while in college. He was a kind and gentle person. If you needed anything, he was the first to offer a helping hand. He also had a love for all animals. He was loved by so many and his memories will be cherished in the lives of all those blessed to have known him.
Along with his parents, John is survived by his brother, Michael P. Downie of Centre Hall; uncles, Robert C. Downie, Sr and his wife, Barbara, of Callery, PA and George M. Manolovich of Ambridge; great aunt Nell Kozlina of Aliquippa; step grandmother, Arlene Manolovich of Phoenix, AZ; numerous cousins; and a large circle of friends.
John was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert C. and Elizabeth J. Downie, Sr; maternal grandparents, George M. and Yvonne K. Manolovich, Jr; and his uncle, John Wasso Manolovich.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, from 6pm – 8pm and Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 10am – 11am at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc in Centre Hall. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 11am at the funeral home with Pastor David Downer and Pastor Keith Maurer officiating. John will be laid to rest at the Emmanuel Reformed & Lutheran Cemetery in Tusseyville.
The family requests no flowers to be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the HOPE Fund of Penns Valley, PO Box 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828 or Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Hwy, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.