William P. Downing

Mr Downing, the best principal and person you could ever ask for. I am so fortunate and grateful to have been a student at the Old Ditson School. Heaven has gave you your wings Mr. Downing we will all miss you terribly.

My sincere condolences to the family of our beloved "Mr. D." He was a kind and caring principal, boss and family man. I have so many fond memories of my years with him at the Ditson schools. May he rest in piece.

Dottie, I´m so sorry for your loss. RIP.

It's a sad day when one of your best friends and next door neighbor passes on. We did everything that kids do together growing up. In recent years Bill was the same Bill I knew as a youngster. We had the same birthday (January 24th). Our Dads were Lowell police officers. I got my driver's license in Bill's Mom's '56 Ford. You will be missed "MY FRIEND" - words Bill always used when we spoke. Rest in Peace. I have had this picture for 30 years, hung with my other favorites, good...

I am heart broken to read Bills obituary, I always admired his kind heart. My sincerest condolences to his whole family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr Downing was my fifth grade teacher and principal at the Pollard School in Billerica, and I loved him as an educator. I appreciated his kindness , direction and positive feedback, this gave me confidence in accomplishing a better understanding of new topics being taught. Back in the spring of 2012, my brother heard Bill was retiring, so we...

From our days at shedd park and watching he and the older dudes playing hoops (twitch) was always a positive voice .. and fan such a great guy

So many great memories over the years will never forget you old friend. Rest in Peace, Barry

I coached at Shedd Park while Bill was coaching David! He was a great coach but a better person! I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with Bill as I was a younger coach and he always treated me with respect! I moved to Billerica and continued coaching and every person I ran into who went to the Ditson spoke extremely highly of Mr Downing! David I know how much he thought of you and I hope your family knows the impact he did on all these families he interacted with. May God Bless all of...

Mr. Downing was such a kind and thoughtful person, the best principal my children ever had. We were blessed to have him at the Ditson School. He knew all the kids and parents names, and always made time for you. We have a lot a great memories when we were fundraising for the playground. We lost a wonderful man. May he rest in peace and our condolences to his family.