William Brownlow Passes Away

William Russell Brownlow passed away at his home on Oct. 15 after a period of declining health. He was 97.

Bill was born in Beverly on December 24, 1920, to parents Arthur Thomas Brownlow and Esther Wedgwood Brownlow (Guiliani). He graduated from Beverly High School in 1939, and then worked various jobs until Pearl Harbor was bombed, after which he enlisted in the Naval Air Force. He spent 18 months training at Williams College, in Keene NH, at North Carolina State, in Oklahoma City, and in Peru IN, learning flight procedures. Ultimately he became a naval aviator and was sent to Pensacola FL, where an air crash grounded him in June, 1943, shattering his knee. He then entered the Navy and trained at various sites, learning military bombing procedures and gunnery skills. After having his knee repaired, he was honorably discharged in Boston in May of 1945. He was a proud veteran and the epitome of a member of the “Greatest Generation”.

After the war Bill worked for the SS Kresge Corporation at various sites, rising to management. In 1946 he met Antoinette Iarossi, whom he married on May 1, 1949. They began their family while Bill worked at Kresge and, later, RH White Department stores, moving for work, but ultimately settling in Beverly with their five daughters.

In 1962 they moved to Reading, where Bill went to work as a sales representative for several companies (Oxwall Tools, Ram, Sterilite) and then joined Mar-Lin Distributors as a buyer for housewares and toys. He remained with Mar-Lin well past retirement age (81), and was with Mar-Lin management in New York City on 9/11/2001.

Never one to sit around, Bill continued working after his retirement, working for three summers at Konjornians Green House, where he learned more about his favorite subject, horticulture. He also volunteered at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA, doing their gardening, and finished his work life in his late 80s at Eric’s Greenhouse in Reading. Bill always learned and grew with each new job and took great pride in a job well done; he strove to instill that work ethic in his daughters.

When not tending his beloved gardens and yard, Bill was a tireless volunteer. He was a part of the Beverly Ryal Side Association, which sponsored the July-fourth fair and he ran the family auction, proceeds from which went to a needy family in Ryal Side. In Reading, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, and he volunteered at the senior center, serving meals to others. He volunteered with the Retired Men's Club of Wakefield, serving as treasurer, event planner, and handyman. He was instrumental in the weekly bread run. Bill donated blood every year since he returned from the service until the Red Cross suggested to him he was too old, and he organized most of his high school reunions for 75 years. The highlight of 2009 was his chance to bat and run the bases at Fenway as part of a contribution to the Jimmy Fund. When not working or volunteering, Bill could be found outside, making the yard beautiful and sharing wisdom with his neighbors, or watching New England sports, particularly his beloved Red Sox.

Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Antoinette, and five daughters: Joanne Bachran, Beverly McKie (Phil Spofford), Emilie Rettig (Jon), Nanci Murphy (Harvey Ford), and Sheila Brownlow. He also leaves several grandchildren: Alissa Circle (Kyle), David Rettig (Chrissy), Joshua Bachran (Allyn), Daphne Safrit (Ashton Pryor), Daniel Rettig (Stephanie), and Amy Rettig; as well as great-grandchildren Katelyn Circle, Brayden Circle, Ethan Rettig, Abby Rettig, Lily Rettig, Margot May Pryor, and Amélie Safrit Pryor. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Arthur Thomas Brownlow, Jr., and sister Emily Brownlow Peoples Persia. He leaves several nieces and nephews, all of whom will remember “Uncle Billy” with fondness. He also leaves numerous friends from the community, church, and neighborhood who will never forget his quick smile, boundless energy, love of gardening, and willingness to pitch in on projects. His was a life well-lived.

Visiting hours will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading on Thursday, October 18, from 4-8 pm. The funeral will be at the First Baptist Church at 45 Woburn Street in Reading at 11 am on Friday, October 19. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wounded Warriors at woundedwarriorproject.org