Frederick James Downs, human resources director

Frederick James Downs, 57 of Lewes, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 4, 2017. He was born Sept. 28, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pa., son of the late Frederick James and Nancy Pinto Downs.

Fred was a Villanova University graduate and worked at Handy and Harman Company in Camden as a human resources director. He was a member of the Wandendale Hunt Club, Ducks Unlimited and Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540. Fred was a leader and very active in Troop 2540 Boy Scouts of America for many years, and mentored countless youths during this time. He enjoyed hunting, boating and spending time with family and friends.

Fred was a loving father and brother and is survived by a son, Lee A. Downs, and a daughter Alexandra M. Downs, both of Lewes; former wife Tina Ballas Downs and mother-in-law Joan Brohawn; two sisters: Margueritte Downs Mertz (John) and Nancy A. Crass (Keith).

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m., at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, where friends may visit one hour prior to mass. Friends may also visit Thursday evening May 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., at  Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Downs name to Troop 2540, to any County Bank in Sussex County.

Please visit Mr. Downs's Life Memorial Webpage and sign the online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.