Bill Downing passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 from pancreatic cancer that was only discovered a month ago. Bill was active in the campaign to legalize cannabis, and leaves behind 2 adult children and fiancee Ellen Moore.
Anyone else notice that a high percentage of Bill was one of my earliest friends when I came to Newtown in 10th grade. Bill was the star (Finian) in the HS production of Finian's Rainbow that year, and I still like that musical, after all these years. I still own and play vinyl records and when I listen to that musical, Bill comes to mind every time. Guy Dudell & I had small parts in it as Shears & Robust and the 3 of us had our picture in the Bee when they did the advertising article about it. I hadn't spoken to Bill since he signed my yearbook, but it is still sad to see someone that I had fond memories with, pass so quickly. RIP, Bill, know that you will be missed. And yet another classmate gone from cancer!! Seems an awful high percentage, doesn't it?
Sad to lose Bill. Good to see old friends remember him.
We also did theatre together and had a lot of fun. Bill was a partier then and for his whole life, it seems. We had some great times. We called each other by our names, backwards. Yllib Gninwod!
Bill was smart and fun and will be missed greatly. I pray comfort and blessings on his family and friends. RIP, Bill.
Perry Esposito
Anyone else notice that a high percentage of Bill was one of my earliest friends when I came to Newtown in 10th grade. Bill was the star (Finian) in the HS production of Finian's Rainbow that year, and I still like that musical, after all these years. I still own and play vinyl records and when I listen to that musical, Bill comes to mind every time. Guy Dudell & I had small parts in it as Shears & Robust and the 3 of us had our picture in the Bee when they did the advertising article about it. I hadn't spoken to Bill since he signed my yearbook, but it is still sad to see someone that I had fond memories with, pass so quickly. RIP, Bill, know that you will be missed. And yet another classmate gone from cancer!! Seems an awful high percentage, doesn't it?
Helen Pantuso
Perry, I was in that too and my fondest memories of Bill are from theatre! So glad he came to our last reunion!
Jon Berry
Sad to lose Bill. Good to see old friends remember him.
We also did theatre together and had a lot of fun. Bill was a partier then and for his whole life, it seems. We had some great times. We called each other by our names, backwards. Yllib Gninwod!
Bill was smart and fun and will be missed greatly. I pray comfort and blessings on his family and friends. RIP, Bill.
Noj Yrreb