Francis C.”Frank” Downing, 81, died July 6th at his home after a period of failing health; he was the husband of Marilyn (Reardon) Downing
Born in Weymouth, son of the late Bartholomew C. and Mary A. (McGillivray) Downing. He was brought up in Hanover and a graduate of Hanover High, also Mass School of Art in 1949
Frank was the director of the art department for Hingham School Systems for 31 years
Lived in South Meadow Village in Carver for many years and was on the Board of Directors.
Frank served in the United States Army during World War II, in the Pacific Theater and earned a Purple Heart.
Former Chairman of the Pembroke School Committee, Committee member of Silver Lake Regional School System, Pembroke Conservation Commission, Lifetime member of Rockland K of C, Plymouth, VFW.
He was an active at the Lady of Lourdes as a Eucharistic Minister.
Frank was employed at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Inc .in Whitman for more than 25 years and also the Shepherd Funeral Homes.
Frank also played in a band at many local clubs during the 40’s and 50’s
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Marilyn (Reardon) Downing of Carver; his son and daughter Stephen C. Downing, Lynette M. Chancholo both of Halifax ;his sister, Eleanor Kimball of Hanover ; 7 grandchildren and five great granddaughters, several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held Monday July 10th at 10:00A.M., in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 130 Main Street Carver, MA. Visiting hours Sunday July 9th 4-8 P.M. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Route 58 at the Rotary Circle) Whitman. Burial will be at a later date. Donations may be made in his name to the Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA.02360 or the Building Fund, Our Lady of Lourdes, 130 Main St. Carver, MA.No services will be held a the chapel prior to the mass.