Dwayne L. Downing

Dwayne Levon Downing departed this life peacefully on May 14, 2026, at the John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland surrounded by loved ones. Dwayne was born February 25, 1966, in Chesapeake, Virgina to parents Ruben and Florine (Thrower) Downing and was a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania. Dwayne will be missed.

Dwayne attended Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, where he excelled both academically as an honor student and athletically as a standout multi-sport athlete. Dwayne was known for his versatility, leadership and excellence which earned him all-conference selections for football, track and basketball. Dwayne’s most notable Deep Creek High School track stat is his 11.24-second 100m dash, which showcased his speed and competitiveness at the Virginia high school state meet level. This performance remains one of the standout sprinting achievements in the school’s history. Dwayne’s personal best is his 10.47-second 100m dash timed in practice.

Dwayne continued his football career playing defensive back at Pennsylvania State University. Dwayne was a 4-year Lettermen and a contributing member of the Nittany Lions’ 1986 National Championship team (We Are!), one of his proudest accomplishments. Dwayne graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management and greatly cherished his time at Penn State.

Dwayne enjoyed success in his career but being a coach gave him joy. As head football coach at Bishop Hoban, Dwayne took over a program that had won only eight games in ten years and helped lead a remarkable turnaround, including an undefeated regular season and a conference championship. In 2004, Dwayne was named Wyoming Valley Conference Coach of the Year. Dwayne always believed in success with honor.

Dwayne was a beloved father, brother, coach, and friend and his laugh could light up a room. Dwayne dedicated his life to motivating, encouraging, and inspiring young athletes and had a gift for seeing those overlooked by others and helping them to believe in themselves.

Dwayne will be remembered by the many young men he coached both in football and life. Dwayne always had a quote, lesson or affirmation to share with those striving to be better and was always ready to offer a listening ear to anyone who needed to vent, often reminding others, “It’s not what happens to you. It’s how you respond to it.”

Beyond the field, Dwayne found happiness in his family and friends, and in cinema, nature, and music - passions that reflected his spirit and his love for storytelling and connection.

Dwayne is survived by his son Kyle Flemings of Columbus, Ohio; daughters Shanika Copeland of Chesapeake, Virginia; Alexandra ‘Allie’ Downing of Wilmington, Delaware; and Cameron Daughtry of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania; brother Stanley (Cheryl) Downing of Harrington, Delaware; his sister Runita (Downing) Hill of Hampton, Virginia; 5 grandchildren; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom are his favorite.

Dwayne was preceded in death by his parents and his twin brother, Wayne Downing; brother Anthony ‘Tony’ Downing; and beloved sister, Deborah Downing.

A Celebration of Life in loving memory of Dwayne will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at The Sanctuary of Hope, 3516 Winchester Drive, Portsmouth, Virginia. The celebration will be led by Pastor Runita D. Hill with the Reverend Lawrence Frost officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dwayne to the Gospel & Groceries Food Bank, 3516 Winchester Drive, Portsmouth, Virginia, in memory will be appreciated.