Obituary of Andrew "Andy" Downs

Andrew "Andy" Downs of Hopatcong, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Valley Hospital in Paramus, surrounded by his loving family. He was 55 years old.

Born on June 19, 1970, in Englewood, New Jersey, Andy was the beloved son of Alfred and Catherine (Zevits) Downs.

Andy's home was in Hopatcong and more recently, he also resided at the caring Spectrum for Living Group Home in Glen Rock, NJ. Andy received his sacraments from and attended St. Jude Roman Catholic Church. He brought joy to those around him through his kind spirit, infectious smile, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Andy was an avid fan of all things Batman and he enjoyed bowling, karate and mowing the lawn and never passed up the opportunity to savor a delicious cheeseburger.

Andy was especially proud to participate in numerous Special Olympics events throughout the years, where he formed lasting friendships and created cherished memories. Most importantly, he flourished through the unwavering love, encouragement, and support of his devoted family, who were the center of his world. Andy touched countless lives with his gentle nature and will be remembered for the happiness he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In addition to his parents, Alfred and Cathy Downs, Andy is survived by his loving sisters, Lisa Olson and her husband, George, and Leslie Johnston and her husband, Glenn. He also leaves behind his cherished nieces and nephews, Evan, Emma, Eden, Aidan, Leanna, and Nate, as well as many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Andy's life during a Memorial Gathering on Friday, June 19, 2026—what would have been Andy's 56th birthday—from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, New Jersey 07850.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, 40 Maxim Drive, Hopatcong, New Jersey. Family and friends are kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andy's memory may be made to The National Down Syndrome Society, 1155 15th Street NW, Suite 540, Washington, DC 20005 or www.ndss.org