J. Peter Downing
Retired Educator
TEWKSBURY: J. Peter Downing, age 76, a resident Tewksbury for over 40 years, passed away at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
He was the beloved husband of Mary “Gail” (Fitzgerald) Downing, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 25, 2017.
Born in Lowell on November 25, 1941, he was the son of the late John F. Downing and the late Gertrude (Madden) Downing.
Peter was raised in Lowell, attended Lowell schools and graduated from the former Keith Academy in 1959.
Following high school he attended Merrimack College, and received his B.A. Degree in Humanities in 1963. While at Merrimack, Peter was a four year member of the Tennis Team. He later attended Fitchburg State College, where he received his M.A. Degree in Educational Administration.
Prior to his retirement in 2010, he was employed by the Lawrence School Department as a teacher at the Frost School. Peter previously served as Principal at the Arts Magnet School in Lowell.
As a Tewksbury resident, he was very active in the community. Peter served for 6 years as a member of the Tewksbury School Committee and 3 years as a member of the Tewksbury Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition, he was elected by the Tewksbury community to serve as a member of the Shawsheen Valley Technical School Committee, a position he held for 28 years.
Peter enjoyed playing tennis, and golfing at the Quechee Lakes Country Club in Vermont.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Jeffrey P. Downing of Tewksbury; his grandson, Tatsma S. Downing of Cambridge; his brother, William P. Downing and his wife Dorothy of Lowell; his nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Calling hours are Sunday, Dec. 10, from 2-6 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. His funeral procession will begin on Monday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.