March 25, 1935 – February 28, 2026
William J. Downey, a longtime resident of Reading, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the Veterans Home at Chelsea. He was 90 years of age.
William was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on March 25, 1935, the son of the late William and Mary (Curley) Downey, and was a graduate of Malden Catholic High School and a veteran of the United States Air Force.
William was the beloved husband of 68 years to the late Mary A. Downey. Devoted father of Kathleen A. Santilli and her husband Richard of North Reading, and Kevin J. Downey and his wife Christine of Reading. He was the loving grandfather of Lauren and Kathryn Santilli, and Jennifer and Michelle Downey. He also leaves his granddog, Tighe.
Bill and Mary started their family in Everett before moving to Reading. They lived on Cape Cod for a period of time after retirement before moving back to Reading, which they always called home.
Bill and Mary loved to travel, with their favorite destinations being Ireland and Italy because of their beauty and link to family.
Bill was an easy-going man with a big heart who loved to sing. He would do anything to help anyone. Bill had a witty sense of humor which carries on through his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by everyone he touched in his life.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading from 9am-10am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Athanasius Church 300 Haverhill St. Reading at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Mission of Deeds www.missionofdeeds.org
For directions and online guest book visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com
