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June 11, 2012

George "Bertram" Downer Sr., 83

Beverly, MA — Bertram passed away Saturday morning at his home in Beverly with his loving wife of 40 years by his side. He was born in Dover, MA. He attended the Beverly School for the Deaf from 4 years of age until his graduation at age 18 in 1947. He then returned to the school in the fall of 1947 and was offered employment as a custodian. After 57 years there, he finally retired from full-time employment in 2004. However, he continued to work there part-time for an additional 8 years.

Bertram enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, and fixing anything he could get his hands on. He was an avid Red Sox fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching them finally win a World Series. He was a kind and loving person, a hard working man who never asked for assistance, although he was always happy to help those in need.

He was a great friend and mentor to many people in the Deaf community. He was a great asset to the BSD through his many years of service as well as being their unofficial Historian. He preserved many school related artifacts over the years, and had a primary role in organizing and opening the William B. Swett Museum at the BSD, which chronicles the school’s 136 year history.

He is survived by wife Jean (Garlick) and six children; George Jr., Barbara Deschaine, Thomas, Vito Cilluffo, April Dooley, and Kevin and their spouses. Bertram is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Robert R. and his wife Ony, brother-in-law Theodore Jarvis, in-laws Barbara and Manuel Silva, Lester and Esther Garlick, and Nancy Garlick, and numerous extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert J. and Hilda (Rafter), siblings Robert J. and Mildred Jarvis, in-laws Violet and Ronald Foote, William Garlick, and grandson George III.

ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at 1 pm, at the Beverly School for the Deaf at 6 Echo Ave, Beverly, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bertram's name to the The Children's Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf at 6 Echo Ave, Beverly, MA. 01915

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Obituaries
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    Francis L. Ryan, 90

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  • Thursday, May 16, 2013
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  • Monday, May 13, 2013
  • George H. Gossom, Jr., 85
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  • Saturday, May 11, 2013
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  • Friday, May 10, 2013
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