William J. Downing Sr
William J. Downing, Sr., of Braintree, passed away May 2, 2017 at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Joyce (Bulger) Downing. Loving father of Kim MacDonald and her husband Paul of Pembroke,Kristine Blazo and her husband Ed of Hanover, William Downing and his wife Dawn of Avon, Ken Downing and his wife Karen of Braintree and Karen McCorkell and her husband John of Hanover Son of the late James and Elizabeth (Ellis) Downing. Brother-in-law to Marjorie Geary, Mary Lent, and the late Peter R. Bulger. Dear grandfather of Kristen, Kayla, Kelsie, Hannah, Shane, Mikey, Jessie, Declan, Hailey, Hildey, Lannie, and Will. Also survived by his good friends, Tony, John, Gene, George, and Snowy.
Billy was a Korean War Veteran who served on the USS Benham DD-796 as a tin can sailor and was a local 103 electrician for 64 years. He was also a season-ticket holder for 43 years for BC Football.
Billy was a gentleman with a great sense of humor that took care of his wife and family and always enjoyed a good time with friends.
Funeral from the Hurley Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37) Holbrook on Saturday, May 6th at 8:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Clare’s Church in Braintree at 9am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday, May 5th from 4-8pm. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s memory to Fidelis Hospice, 25 Railroad Square, Haverhill, MA 01832. For online guestbook and directions, please visit us at our website, www.thehurleyfuneralhomes.com.
Guestbook
First Name: Michelle (Mitchell)
Last Name: Gaughran
City: Franklin
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 05/04/2017
Sending all of you my heartfelt sympathy and wishing you peace and healing during this difficult time.
Love & Hugs xoxo
Michelle
First Name: Mary Jo and Marc
Last Name: Pizzuto
City: Norwood
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 05/05/2017
Bill was a great friend and neighbor. Our deepest condolences to the Downing family at this difficult time. The Pizzutos, Calabro and Monteiro families
First Name: Doug & Kitty
Last Name: Heim
City: Chapin
State: SC
Country:
Entry Date: 05/11/2017
Remembering so many good times with Billy and Joyce at many navy reunions. He is a great loss and will always be remembered for his winning personality and friendship over the years. Thoughts and prayers to everyone. Here's to you, Billy. With love, Doucalleg and Kitty