Charles Aaron Downing

Charles Aaron Downing, long time resident of Houran Road, Bennington, and most recently residing at Brookdale at Fillmore Pond, died on February 15, 2025. Born February 7, 1931, in Rutland, VT, he was the son of the late Ernest Bonesteel Downing and Marion (Taylor) Downing. He was also the stepson of Marjorie (Peck) Sisco Downing. Chuck, as he was fondly known, grew up in Shaftsbury and was a graduate of North Bennington High School class of 1949. He served with the United States Air Force 9 th Motor Division on Guam during the Korean War. He was a member of Post 13 Bennington American Legion. He had worked at BenMont Papers and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut prior to returning to Bennington and employment at Sibley Manufacturing. where he worked for 23 years until the company was bought out by U. S. Tsubaki. He then transitioned to UST and retired as a department supervisor in July 1995. Immediately following his formal work years, he became an employee of Mt. Anthony Country Club, working as a cart attendant. He often described this experience as the “best job of my life.” He continued working there until 2011. He treasured all the relationships formed there through his association with staff and players, both young and old. Chuck enjoyed playing golf and billiards, he followed the Giants, Celtics and Red Sox. In earlier years he bowled in the Southern Vermont League. He was an avid gardener and shared the bounty of his harvest with family, friends, passers-by and area wildlife. He enjoyed working crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He looked forward to Wednesdays when he would meet a special group of friends for coffee. Thank you, Gary Briggs, for making sure that he got there every week, you were very special to Dad. He will be remembered for his quick wit and humor which brought smiles and laughter to many conversations. Chuck married Barbara A. Taylor on July 13, 1957, at St. Francis de Sales Church. Barb passed away on February 22, 2023. He is survived by a son, Taylor A. (Tad) Downing (Jennifer Parker) of Bennington, and a daughter, Tracy A. Bessette (Michael) of Vergennes; grandchildren: David M. Bessette, Molly E. Downing, Owen P. Downing, and step-granddaughter Caroline Parker; and a great grandson Harley LeSage. He also leaves his sisters-in-law, Beverly T. Feeney of Bennington, Jane Taylor of Bennington, and Marguerite (Peggy) Jones of Locust Grove, VA. He is also survived by special nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was pre-deceased by his sisters Elizabeth (Downing) Kano, Myrtle Corey, and Jean Smith, sister-in law Nancy Frasier, brothers-in-law, Dr. Kanaan Kano, C. Bruce Smith, Howard F. Corey, James Feeney, Charles Taylor, and Robert Jones. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Brookdale for welcoming Dad into the community two years ago. He came to think of it as his home, and the residents and staff as friends. Special thank you to the amazing, caring nursing staff who took such great care of Dad these last few weeks. You are so appreciated, and he thought the world of you all. A time for visitation will be held on February 21, 2025, at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home in Bennington, Vermont. Friends and relatives are invited to call from 10:00 am to 11:30 AM. A small memorial service will follow at the conclusion of visitation hours. Burial for Chuck will be held in the Spring at the convenience of the family. Donations in his memory may be made to Bennington Project Independence, Southwestern Vermont Cancer Center, or HIS Pantry at St. Francis Sacred Heart Church through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201.