Obituary for William H. Downes
William (Bill) Downes, Jr. passed away at home surrounded by family on January 19th, 2023 at 78 years old. Bill is predeceased by his parents Adeline and William Downes, Sr. and brother Albert Downes of Middletown NJ. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 59 years, Patricia Downes and their four children Danny Downes (Ellyn), Connie Lepard, Sandy O’neill, and Tracey Downes. Bill was blessed with seven grandchildren, Nicole Lepard (Lisa), Charles Rhodes (Gloria), Kristie Lepard, Danielle Downes (Jeffrey), Desiree DeCosta (Joe), Will Rhodes (Kayla) and Samantha Rhodes. Bill had a special place in his heart for his four great grandchildren Jameson Lepard, Luke Franzoni, Elove Rhodes, and Cayden Rhodes. Bill will be dearly remembered by his sister Cathy Miller and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He always welcomed everyone into his home and made you feel like a part of the family. Bill loved to cook and also loved a good sale. He was always running out of the house by 7 am to greet all of his friends at the local Shoprite. Bill was very proud of the fact that he was an “online ordained minister” and was hoping to be able to officiate one of his grandchildren’s weddings. Bill, or as his grandchildren knew him, “Poppy” loved to joke and play elaborate pranks especially on April Fool’s Day. Poppy made sure to have his cell phone handy to FaceTime his entire family in five minute intervals. His voicemails were always entertaining and could easily fill your mailbox in less than a day. All of Bill’s kids and grandkids knew how much he loved them and will miss him immensely.
Bill had a habit of watching the same movies on repeat which would drive his wife Pat crazy but he always tried to make up for it by making her favorite meals (whether she was actually hungry or not) or bringing her tea and leaving a trail of tea in his wake. Bill was an animal lover and was always the first one to welcome a new kitten or puppy into his family. He treated his dog, Sissy, and cat, Kitty, like tiny queens and they were always as well fed as he was.
Bill took very special care of his daughter Tracey. He made sure to take Tracey on long car rides around town or to the beach, sing all of her favorite songs, and tell silly stories. Tracey would always call him her “special Daddy.”
A viewing will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 from 4:00-6:00 pm with a service beginning at 6:00 pm.
Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He always welcomed everyone into his home and made you feel like a part of the family. Bill loved to cook and also loved a good sale. He was always running out of the house by 7 am to greet all of his friends at the local Shoprite. Bill was very proud of the fact that he was an “online ordained minister” and was hoping to be able to officiate one of his grandchildren’s weddings. Bill, or as his grandchildren knew him, “Poppy” loved to joke and play elaborate pranks especially on April Fool’s Day. Poppy made sure to have his cell phone handy to FaceTime his entire family in five minute intervals. His voicemails were always entertaining and could easily fill your mailbox in less than a day. All of Bill’s kids and grandkids knew how much he loved them and will miss him immensely.
Bill had a habit of watching the same movies on repeat which would drive his wife Pat crazy but he always tried to make up for it by making her favorite meals (whether she was actually hungry or not) or bringing her tea and leaving a trail of tea in his wake. Bill was an animal lover and was always the first one to welcome a new kitten or puppy into his family. He treated his dog, Sissy, and cat, Kitty, like tiny queens and they were always as well fed as he was.
Bill took very special care of his daughter Tracey. He made sure to take Tracey on long car rides around town or to the beach, sing all of her favorite songs, and tell silly stories. Tracey would always call him her “special Daddy.”
A viewing will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main Street, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 from 4:00-6:00 pm with a service beginning at 6:00 pm.