RI Council 94, AFSCME President J. Michael Downey remembered by local officials

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — President of Union Council 94 in Rhode Island has died.

J. Michael Downey passed away on Sunday.

He was 70-years-old.

Council 94 represents over 10,00 active and retired state, municipal, and private sector employees.

According to a representative, Downey grew up in a union household and was first elected back in 2005.

Governor Dan McKee released a statement on social media following his death, and said:

“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of J. Michael Downey. As President, he was a staunch advocate for working families in our state. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

Representative Seth Magaziner also released a statement, and said:

“Michael Downey was a tireless champion for working people across Rhode Island. We worked together closely over the past decade and I saw firsthand he always put his members first. My thoughts are with the family of this wonderful man.”