Mr. Downey was a well-regarded member of the Massachusetts insurance industry for over 40 years
Longtime Massachusetts independent agent William J. Downey, Jr. has died. He was 84. According to Mr. Downey’s obituary, he passed away at home on March 2, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.
Mr. Downey leaves behind his wife of 47 years Marlene S. (Scales) Downey, a son Charles I. Downey and his wife Tracie of Northborough, a daughter Catherine A. Potenza and her husband Matthew of Sterling. He also leaves 2 sisters, Joanne A. McManus, wife of the late Thomas McManus, of Westfield, and Elizabeth A. Farley and her husband John B. Farley Jr., of Quonochontaug, RI, 6 grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Marlborough, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late William J. and Marion G. (Coyne) Downey. After graduating from the former St. Viator High School in Marlborough, he went on to obtain his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, before serving in the US Navy.
Upon his return to Massachusetts, he began his long and successful career in insurance. Many in the Massachusetts insurance industry will remember him as the owner and President of the Downey Insurance Agency of Marlborough, an agency he ran for over 40 years. He also was a member and past board member of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.
In addition to his insurance career, Mr. Downey was an active member of the Marlborough community throughout his lifetime, serving as a Life Member and past President of the Marlborough Rotary Club, a member and past Chairman of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce; a Lifetime Member of the Marlborough Country Club, and a member of the Treble-Clef’s (a Parkinson’s singing choir).
