NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — J. Michael Downey, the president of Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO since 2005, has passed away. He was 70 years old.

Downey’s death was announced by the union on Sunday evening.

“It is with a heavy heart that I learned that J. Michael Downey, President of Rhode Island Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, passed away,” Alexis Santoro, executive director of the union, said in a statement. “Since 2005, Mike Downey provided bold leadership and constantly fought to enhance the lives of all working Rhode Islanders.”

“Council 94’s membership extends our deepest condolences to his wife Claudette and their entire family,” Santoro added.

Downey was first elected president of Council 94, which represents over 10,000 employees from various sectors, in 2005. He won reelection in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Alongside his role with Council 94, Downey was president of Local 528, which consists of University of Rhode Island (URI) employees, for nearly three decades.

“Mike was a kind, compassionate and strong union leader and family man,” Mary Townsend, Council 94’s executive vice president said. “His presence and leadership will be deeply missed. We will announce arrangements to our members as more details become available.”

During his time in union leadership, Downey focused on boosting member participation. He also focused on the union’s organizing program, bringing in new locals in recent years.

According to Downey’s biography on Council 94’s website , his dad and grandfather were also presidents of local unions, Local 28, the plumber’s union, and Local 1, the bricklayer’s union, respectively.

Downey’s biography also highlighted his time on the RI AFL-CIO executive board, URI’s Affirmative Action Committee for eight years and the board of the Rhode Island Institute of Labor Studies.

He also served in government for the town of Charlestown, being elected to the town council.

Downey worked for the Department of Labor & Training as chief plumbing investigator and before that was a plumber at URI for almost three decades.

Downey was married to his wife, Claudette, for nearly 50 years. He had three children and nine grandchildren.

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