Obituary: William J. Downing, Jr.

William J. Downing, Jr., at 84

William J. Downing, Jr. died suddenly, surrounded by his family, at the age of 84 on Feb. 19, 2023. Mr. Downing was the son of the late William and Corrine (Hardy) Downing, the beloved husband of the late Patricia (Stewart) Downing (2021), and the late Maureen (Gamelin) Downing (1975). He was a longtime resident of Taunton and spent the last 20 years living in Hull.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was a retired laborer at Local 223. He was a great dad and a great grandfather. He loved to spend time with family, keeping them all laughing. He also loved to walk and always looked forward to going out to dinner with his family. He seemed to make new friends everywhere he went; everyone would always comment how nice and funny he was.

Mr. Downing is survived by his children, Linda Kerr and husband, Michael; Laurie Tangaro and husband, John; William J. Downing III; and Christine Stevens and husband, Scott; stepchildren Beth Ronan, Rich Ronan, Tina McCarthy, Mary Kavanaugh, and Patty Anzalone. His beautiful grandchildren will forever miss him: Megan, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Courtney, Nicholas, and Kayla; not to be forgotten are his adoring 15 great- and step-great-grandchildren. Mr. Downing is survived by his sister, Marion Lawlor; brother, Charles Downing; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Scotty.

He leaves us surrounded by many who will keep him in their memory. 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Due to floral restrictions at the national cemetery, the family requests donations be made in Mr. Downing’s name to the Taunton Animal Shelter, 821 West Water St., Taunton, MA 02780. For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.