William W. Downing

William W. “Bill” Downing, a resident of Melrose and former longtime resident of Brookline, passed away at home on Friday, August 2, 2024, at age 82.

Bill was born in Glenns Falls, NY on December 14, 1941, the son of the late Raymond W. Downing and Elizabeth I. (Truitt) Downing. Raised on a dairy farm in upstate New York, Bill’s hard-working nature and love of the outdoors and animals came from working on the farm. He cherished his memories of his hometown and visited as often as possible. After graduating from Richmondville High School, he received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Oneonta and his Master’s Degree from Northeastern University. After Northeastern, Bill began a career working for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for over 40 years. His dedication to his job was paramount, and he made numerous connections and impacted the lives of many.

Bill was married on August 3, 1968 to Ann E. Haddock and they settled in Brookline to raise their children, Matthew and Sarah. A devoted husband and father, Bill was always involved with his children’s interests and activities. He adored Ann and would sing her praises to anyone he could. Bill was also a dedicated parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Brookline for many years. Humbly devoted to his faith, Bill was an original member and later Prayer Group Leader of the Cenacle Prayer Group at Boston College for many years. Combining his love of music and his faith, Bill also sang, played guitar, and composed music with the group.

Bill found joy in making genuine connections with others and enjoyed sharing an intellectual conversation with anyone. He was always up for a road trip, often traveling to see family in New Jersey or a quick yard sale outing to discover something new. Bill loved being outdoors, with an affinity for camping and enjoyed time spent along the coast of Maine in Kennebunkport with Ann every summer. With an inquisitive mind, he had an interest in history, computers, woodworking, and could fix just about anything. With his “off beat” sense of humor, he found comedy in puns, comics, and his favorite “Dad jokes.”

Bill was an extremely loyal and generous man who always put others first. He treated everyone with unconditional respect and fairness, always looked out for the underdog, and cherished being a grandfather. Bill will be deeply missed, but his determination, dedication to family, and strength of spirit will continue in the hearts and minds of his loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace.

Bill was the beloved husband of Ann E. (Haddock) Downing with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Devoted father of Matthew Downing of Newton and Sarah Welch and her husband Neil of Melrose. Proud grandfather of Essie, Connor, and the late Elyse Welch. Loving cousin of Marilyn Downing Staff of New Mexico. Caring brother-in-law of Barbara Berkowitz and her husband Bernie of NJ, Donna Haddock-Hashtani and her husband Wayne of NC, Elaine Malanga and her husband Sal of NJ, George Haddock and his wife Kathy of SC, Maryjude Haddock-Weiler and her husband Bill of NJ, and the late Carol Berman and her surviving husband Don of Wilton, CT. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Bill’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose, on Wednesday, August 7 from 4-7pm, and again on Thursday, August 8 at 10am before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his Funeral Mass celebrated at 11am. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

Gifts in memory of Bill may be made to a charity of your choice.