William F. Downs

WILLIAM F. DOWNS 1926 � 2008 CHICOPEE � William F. �Bill� Downs, 82, a lifelong Chicopee resident and a well known presence at Lacroix�s Market in Willimansett, where he stopped for breakfast every day for over fifty years, passed away on Monday, August 11 in a local nursing home. He was born in Holyoke on February 12, 1926, a son of the late Samuel and Florence (Skinner) Downs. He was a graduate of Chicopee High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII, having served aboard the USS Doyle (DD494). While in the service he received the European African Middle Eastern Medal, Minecraft Insignia, Asiatic Pacific Medal, American Area Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was previously employed at the former Uniroyal for twenty three years and retired in 1986 from Chicopee Comprehensive High School as custodian. Bill was a loyal Red Sox fan who also enjoyed bowling and ballroom dancing with his late wife, Ruth (Dietrich) Downs who died April 16, 1992. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved bow hunting, trout fishing and camping with his family. He is survived by two sons, John and his wife Ann of Belchertown, and William and his wife Kathleen of Mason, NH. He will be sadly missed by four grandchildren, Robert Dugre, Melissa Sherman, Jonathan Downs, Jacob Downs, one great grandson, Jonny Sherman, several nieces and nephews, and many special long time friends. He was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Jean Dugre in 1987. He was also predeceased by two brothers, his twin, Donald and Thomas, and his sister, Priscilla Smith. Bill�s funeral procession will form on Friday, August 15 at 9am at the Brunelle Funeral Home, 811 Chicopee Street, with a service of remembrance at the funeral home at 10am. Burial will follow in St. Rose de Lima Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are Thursday, August 14 from 6- 8pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Please visit www.brunellefuneralhome.com for an online guestbook.