Charles W. H. Downing

September 29, 1949 - September 19, 2021

Charles William Henry Downing September 29, 1949 - September 19, 2021. Charles W. H. Downing, 71, of Laurence Harbor, NJ, passed away at home on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Old Bridge Funeral Home, 2350 CR 516, Old Bridge, NJ. You are welcome to attend in person or via live stream, which you can view by clicking the link below: https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1166148 Please log in a little early so that we can work out any technical difficulties. Charles was born on September 29, 1949 to Alan and Greta Downing in Cape Town, South Africa. Charles was Master Machinest who worked as a Steel Worker for Gerdau AmeriSteel in Sayreville, NJ. Charles traveled the world but lived in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe; Cape Town, South Africa; London, England; and Parlin, New Jersey, before moving to Laurence Harbor 36 years ago. Charles was a caring, loving, and beautiful human being with a huge heart. He always had a smile and kind words for his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers in passing. He donated regularly to the ASPCA, USO, and the Environmental Defense Fund. Charles was a pillar in the Downing family. He loved his family with all his heart and his family's love for him knows no bounds. He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Downing, his mother, Greta Smith (formerly Downing) and his fiance, Lisa Hope Brenner. Charles is survived by his daughter, Tracey Downing Keefe; his son-in-law, Joseph Keefe; his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Estelle Downing; his sister, Kate Downing; his ex-wife Roberta Wilder; his niece Carly Downing; his three nephews, Casey and Christopher Downing and Timothy Trimmings; and his two step grandchildren, Jet and Cole Keefe. Online condolences can be given at www.oldbridgefh.com or sent privately to his daughter at [email protected]