William P. Downing

Loving Husband, Father,

and Grandfather

LOWELL

William P. Downing passed away at home on February 3rd after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was the son of the late John and Gertrude (Madden) Downing and was born in January of 1944 in Lowell, MA. He attended Lowell High School, received his Bachelors' degree from Saint Anselm's College and his Masters' degree from MA State University at Lowell.

In 1966, William began his long career with the Billerica Public Schools teaching 6th grade at the Hajjar and Howe Schools. He later became a teaching principal at the Pollard School and then in 1978 he took on the position of principal at the Thomas Ditson Elementary School on Boston Road. He later assumed the principalship of the new Thomas Ditson School on Cook Street, where he worked until his retirement in 2012. That same year the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Billerica honored him with the Man of the Year award and he received a recognition from the Massachusetts State House of Representatives.

William was a committed and caring educator and dedicated family man. During his 46-years in education he influenced countless children and touched many families. He saw the potential in each and every kid, treated them with respect, and tried to help set them on a path to success. He adored his Ditson family almost as much as he adored his own family. He was a devoted husband and father. With a little coaching, he never forgot an anniversary. He was there for each of his kids, no matter the circumstance, with support and encouragement. He never missed a game, meet or dance recital. William was also an avid New England sports fan – he had a love/hate relationship with the Red Sox and never missed a Pats game. He was a junk food aficionado and an armchair Jeopardy champion. He loved his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to tease them. He was a compassionate and kind man who will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy, and their three children, David, Elizabeth and Mary-Jackelyn, his son-in-law Brent Rourke, daughter-in-law Olga Downing and four grandchildren, Anya, Ivan, Ciarán and Campbell. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Charles and Frances Swenson, Richard and Barbara Jennings, James Campbell and Gail Downing. He was predeceased by his brother John Peter Downing, sister-in-law Theresa Campbell, and brother-in-law Raymond Campbell.

William wanted to give special thanks to Dr. Omar Ali for his care and friendship and Beacon Hospice for their support and kindness.



FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND WILLIAM'S FUNERAL MASS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH AT 10 AM AT THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 144 EAST MERRIMACK STREET LOWELL, MA. BURIAL WILL TAKE PLACE WITH HIS FAMILY.

AS AN EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY, MEMORIAL DONATIONS IN WILLIAM'S NAME MAY BE MADE TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER BILLERICA, 19 CAMPBELL ROAD, BILLERICA, MA 01821 OR AT https://www.billericabgc.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1



ARRANGEMENTS BY THE

FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS

978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com





View the online memorial for WILLIAM P. DOWNING