Barton E. Downs, 78

BELMONT — Barton E. Downs, 78, passed peacefully on June 8, 2026, at Concord Hospital, with his daughters by his side.

Bart was the second to be born to Donald and Anna Downs, on Dec. 8, 1947, in Concord.

After attending private school he tried his hand at becoming a Concord firefighter as a ladder truck driver for a while. If only they had Google Maps back then he would have stayed longer. So, he then went on to work at Page Belting for over 15 years. The leather processing chemicals didn’t agree with him so onward he went to Pitco Frialator in Bow, as their environmental maintenance man, and retired with over 30 years under his belt.

He was a hard worker, always on time and always willing to help wherever he could. He was especially fascinated by how things worked, construction site developments and the latest technologies. You could always count on him to offer words of encouragement as he’d sit and watch the progress unfold.

At home he would build 3D puzzles and Lego sets, model autos and ships, paintings, rugs and picture puzzles. He enjoyed recreational sports with fellow workers and would join in with deep sea fishing and ice fishing trips. He found gardening rewarding and always had a look out for new growth or maintenance needs. Summer time was for camping trips to the coast or mountains every chance he could. He later joined a bowling league at Funspot for a while and used the “heavy suckers.” He played bingo in the big hall whenever he could as well.

Laconia Senior Center had Bart’s helping hand and jokes on the fly for many years. They gave him a “job” to do and he never missed time away. He truly loved the people there.

After being a Belmont resident for many years, he settled in at Pine Rock Manor in Warner, for additional support. His friends will say that he was always on his schedule like clockwork and always giving a humorous and supportive tidbit for the day.

Christmas was his all time favorite holiday. The month of December was a month full of decorating and celebrations. With his birthday and all the holiday events and gatherings, Bart could only wish there was another month of December in the year.

He is survived by daughters Bobbiejo Downs of Manchester, and Erica Downs (Christopher Williams) of Meredith; sister Idella Mancini of Chandler, Arizona; grandchildren Katelynne Cochran and Demitri George, Allie and Jackson Williams; as well as step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Anna Downs; aunt and uncle Ken and Ruth Holbrook; ex-wife Charlotte Whiting; wife Katherine Downs; stepson James Wright; and brother-in-law James Mancini.

Private memorial services will be held at the Blossom Hill Cemetery in Concord at a later time.

Arrangements are by the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. Visit RemickGendron.com to view Barton’s memorial website and sign his tribute wall.