Mark Downing

June 06, 1954 - April 05, 2025

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Obituary for Mark Downing

Mark Downing of Braintree, originally from Dorchester, passed away at 70 years old, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children.

Mark was the beloved husband of 34 years to the late Julia Downing, and father to Shioban Grout and her husband William of Abington, Sarah Cross and her husband Peter of Braintree and Brian Downing and his partner Kylie McCullough of Saugus. He was the loving grandfather “Dado” of Rose, Joy, Annie, Jack and Cormac and a caring uncle and friend to many. Mark is also survived by his mother, Marion Carlier of Braintree.

In his retirement he lovingly took care of his mother. Mark was an avid Boston sports fan, but most of all he loved watching his son Brian play hockey. He loved going for walks and being outside. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who filled his life with so much joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 854 Washington Street, Braintree, Friday April 11th at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Thursday April 10th from 4-8 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mark's name to Dorchester Youth Hockey, c/o Phil Olsen, 38 Laban Pratt Rd, Dorchester, Ma 02122 or online www.dorchesteryouthhockey.com

Services

10 Apr

Visiting Hours

04:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - EAST MILTON SQUARE 460 Granite Avenue Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
11 Apr

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM

Saint Francis of Assisi 856 Washington Street Braintree, MA 02184 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 12, 2025

    Ɓrid Conneely

    Fond memories of Mark Thinking of all the family àt this sad time Rest in peace with Julia Brid Conneely Lettermorenacoille Connemara Galway 🕯 🕯

  • April 10, 2025

    Kevin Walsh

    Rest easy, Mark! You were a huge part of my life growing up. 63 Whitten St was long ago but the memories are fresh in my mind. No matter how long had passed since seeing each other, we would act like it was yesterday. Hope you and Julia are reunited once again. Love to you both. Kevin

  • April 10, 2025

    Johnny Fitzgerald

    Our Deepest Condolances to Brian. Siobhan. Sarah and all the Downing Family on the sad passing of Mark..He was always a kind and fun loving person and a pleasure to be in his company.May he Rest in Peace..Johnny.Margaret and Damien Fitzgerald

  • April 08, 2025

    Catherine Larkin

    Rest in Peace Mark with your beloved Julia Sincere condolences to family ❤️🙏

  • April 08, 2025

    Mary O'Donnell

    Very sorry to hear of Mark's passing! Growing up with him in Dorchester brings back a lifetime of great memories I will always treasure! My deepest sympathy to the family! Mary O'Donnell

  • April 08, 2025

    Mike O’Donnell

    🙏🏻RIP Mark! I'll see you on the other side🙏🏻

  • April 08, 2025

    Maggie Connolly Furnish

    My deepest condolences to Siobhan , Sara Brian and his Mom. So Sorry to hear of his passing I hope he is united with your Mom . He was a lovely kind man. He always texted me when he had a new grand child He was so proud of you all. ❤️💚May his Beautiful Soul Rest in Peace with Julie

  • April 08, 2025

    Manny

    Sorry to hear this. Grew up with Mark back in Dot when he lived on Iowa Street and after decades caught up with him at the Dorchester half ball tournament. It was great seeing him again. A good kid that grew up into a good man...

  • April 07, 2025

    Chris Rushe

    Sincere condolences to Downing family. I lived upstairs from Mark, Julia and the clan in 2002. Always found him to be jovial and very welcoming. May he rest in peace. Kind regards, Chris Rushe Sligo, Ireland

  • April 07, 2025

    Maire Peter Richmond

    Siobhan Sarah Brian & his Mom all the family, our love sympathy to you on the death of Mark. Happy memories of visiting him & Julia and you as children in Dorchester... always kind welcoming & had lots of fun and laughter! Another memory is your trip to Ireland as a family ... went to Leitirmoir na Coille... he loved it a lot... Thinking of you all indeed🙏💕 ... knowing he will be sadly missed. Maire Peter Richmond Norwich UK

  • April 06, 2025

    Colette & Ciaran Breathnach

    We are so sad to hear of Marks passing, God rest his soul and pray that he is reunited with his love Julie. He was such a gentleman 🤍 and can't imagine your loss. We are thinking of you all during this very sad time , sending love from Galway. Go ndéanamh Dia grásta ar a Anam naofa. Colette & Ciarán Breathnach.