Yale

John T. Downey was imprisoned for two decades while in the intelligence service of his country before returning to build a distinguished judicial career. He was a member of the University’s football, wrestling, and rugby teams. After graduating Yale, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency and was sent to the Far East. In November 1952, while on a flight over northeast China, his aircraft was shot down; Downey and another agent were captured by the Chinese. He was tried and sentenced to life in prison. Through the efforts of President Richard Nixon, Downey was released in 1973 after twenty years and three months in prison. 

Returning to the United States, Downey earned his J.D. degree from Harvard Law School in 1976. In practice ever since, he has devoted much of his time to governmental positions in Connecticut. In 1979, Governor Ella Grasso named him secretary of business regulation, and soon thereafter, chair of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Control Authority.

Reappointed to the PUCA post in 1984, Downey served until July 1987, when he became a judge of the Superior Court in Connecticut. Downey devoted much of his judicial career to the problems of juveniles and their families, serving as the presiding judge of the New Haven Juvenile Matters Court. In 2002, the Connecticut Judicial Branch renamed the New Haven Juvenile Matters Courthouse the John T. Downey Courthouse. 

At various times, Downey has served on the boards of Quinnipiac College, Choate Rosemary Hall, and the Foote School. He also served on the board of governors of the Association of Yale Alumni and is a past president of the Yale Football Association and Yale Wrestling Association.