William J. Townson

April 29, 1942 - June 20, 2023

William J. Townson , 81, of Bradenton, Florida passed away in the early morning of June 20th, 2023 in his home alongside his caring wife, Patty.

Bill was born in the greater northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 29, 1942 to the late parents of Eugenia and Francis Townson. He is survived by his wife Patricia and his three sons and their families: Bill (Susan), Anthony (Emily) and Jeff (Annie) as well as his three siblings, Jeanne McLaughlin (Brian), Jim (Pat) and Robert (Bernadette).

Bill loved the art of conversation and enjoyed others’ company very much; it was evident even early in his childhood. Bill recounted with much enthusiasm how he and his friends would spend countless daylight hours playing bottle caps, marbles and stickball, then before dinner watching their favorite television shows together, like Flash Gordon and Lash Larue at a friend’s house. Bill experienced a Catholic school upbringing and graduated from Father Judge High School in the Northeast. As a young man, Bill began working at the iconic Philadelphia’s Horn and Hardart restaurant working alongside his mother and his future first wife, Loretta, with whom he later raised three sons, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. All three sons still reside in Philly and warmly remember his gentle spirit and the cozy summer nights spent listening to thunderstorms rolling in under the cover of their screened in backyard patio.

Bill was later inspired by his Uncle Ed Drazga to explore a career in janitorial and sanitation equipment and supplies. Soon after he was employed by Breuer Electric based in Chicago. There Bill was named salesman and sales manager of the year selling industrial floor cleaners. Bill was known as an expert in his field because he immersed himself in his products, so much so, he later repaired the same floor cleaning machines, as a side business, employing all three of his sons.

Bill enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid reader devouring multiple books at a time and then sharing the titles with friends and family. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his vegetable and flower gardens, where he nurtured tomato vines taller than himself. Bill was later remarried to Patricia Vruno and they moved to Bradenton, Florida where they started a lucrative dog boarding business. Bill earned the nickname, “Mayor of the Dog Park”, because of his outgoing nature and gregarious manner. Bill and Pat lived the past 26 years in their Bradenton home where Bill finally succumbed to cancer.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home located at 1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, Fl. 34203 on Thursday, August 24th 2023 at 11:00am with a luncheon and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the following charities:

American Cancer Society-Research office for Esophageal Cancer

American Cancer Society

Tidwell Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239