RICHIBOUCTOU-VILLAGE, NB – It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of William Downey on Saturday, April 5th , 2025, at the age of 69. Born May 12th, 1955 in Toronto, ON, he was the son of the late Norman Downey and the late Germaine (Babineau) Downey.
William lived in Leominster, Massachusetts most of his life, from age 7 to 57, and was known as Bill. In his youth, he ventured to his beloved Richibuctou-village almost annually. When his parents moved back to the village, he and his family came to spend holidays and summer vacation annually. William held a deep love for and was dedicated to the Richibucto-Village community and lobster fishing, which drove him to move here in 2013 accepting a position as operations manager to support the success of the Fisherman’s Co-op, now known as Cap Lumiere Fishing Supplies.
He had a deep passion for music; he played the guitar and keyboards and enjoyed writing his own music and singing. He spent much time studying gold and silver commodities and market strategy. Some of his hobbies included playing baseball—cheering for his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, bowling and golfing. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and enjoying his grandchildren.
William leaves to mourn his loving wife, Diane Downey of Richibouctou-Village; his daughter, Nicole Downey Roberts (Brandin) of Baldwinville, MA; his two granddaughters, Angelina Demeulle of Fitchburg, MA and Milanya Cormier of Waverly, VA; and his brother, Ronald "Ronnie" Downey (Celeste) of Richmond, VA. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Lauren Demeulle.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13th, 2025 from 7-9 p.m. and Monday, from 1:00 p.m., the Funeral service to follow on Monday, April 14th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Thompson Funeral Home, Richibucto.
Arrangements are in the professional care of Thompson Funeral Home, Richibucto (506) 523-4252.