Dave Downing

Davey Edmund DowningFebruary 6, 1940—February 6, 1940

Davey Edmund Downing, 86, of Los Gatos, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 23, 2026.

Born on February 6, 1940, in Los Gatos, Dave was the son of Catherine and Arthur Downing.

He grew up on his family’s plum and apricot orchards, which he later developed into the Downing Shopping Center on Union Avenue.

Dave attended Whittier College and the University of Mexico before joining the inaugural class of Peace Corps volunteers sent to Colombia by President John F. Kennedy. Upon his return, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in education from San Jose State University. He continued his humanitarian work with CARE in the Dominican Republic before pursuing a career in education.

Dave served as Assistant Superintendent in the Gilroy and Alum Rock school districts. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he dedicated his career to improving educational equity and access for children from low-income and migrant worker families.

Additionally, Dave was active in his community, serving as President of the Los Gatos Rotary Club. He was an establishing member and longtime volunteer at Santa Teresa Parish and also volunteered with Sacred Heart Community Services and Holy Cross Food Pantry.

Above all, Dave was a loving man deeply devoted to his family and faith. Dave shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Kathleen, and together they raised four daughters.

Dave enjoyed his dogs, golf, playing the piano, singing, traveling, Diet Coke, and keeping up with news and politics. He especially loved Mexican food and cheering on the San Francisco Giants.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; their four daughters, Teresa Downing, Jennifer Rich, Molly Slone, and Kathryn Ortega; and 12 beloved grandchildren: Julia Gallo, James Rich, Tessa Gallo, Daniel Rich, Margaret Rich, Briana Gallo, Maya Ortega, Marco Ortega, Patrick Slone, Brendan Slone, Max Ortega, and Nick Slone.

A rosary service will be held on November 3 at 6pm at Darling & Fischer Chapel of the Hills, 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95032.

A funeral Mass will be held on November 4 at 11am at Santa Teresa Parish in San Jose, followed by a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Cross Food Pantry at 210 High St., Room 102, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.