READING, MA — William Paul “Bill” Downing, 89, of Wilmington and formerly of Malden, passed away Tuesday, May 24th at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.
Born in Malden on June 29, 1926 he was the son of the late John Michael and Hannah (Foley) Downing.
Bill was a longtime resident of Malden. He was a graduate of Malden Vocational High School, Class of 1944 and he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Bill enjoyed following local sports teams and spending time with his friends and family, including his many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his brother John and sister-in-law Patricia Downing of Malden, as well as his sister Theresa and brother-in-law Russell Jeffery MD of Reading. He was predeceased by his brother Timothy “Gus” and sister-in-law Beverly Downing. “Uncle Bill” is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading on Tuesday, May 31st at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Malden. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s name may be made to Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill St, Reading, MA 01867.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from McDonald Funeral Homes.)
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Wilmington Apple 
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family. May you all find comfort in the Bible’s promise at Isaiah 25:8.