William Cecil Townsend
November 3, 1935 ~ September 6, 2021
William Cecil Townsend, age 85, of Vienna, VA passed away on September 6, 2021 at INOVA Loudoun Hospital. He was born on November 3, 1935 in Johnstown, PA to the late Cecil and Thelma Townsend. Cecil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Penny and his adored son, C.J. Townsend. Cecil grew up in the small coal mining town of South Fork, PA. He eventually moved to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh, of which he was a proud alumnus. It was in Pittsburgh where Cecil met Penny and they started their life together. Cecil was a brilliant man who was a hard worker with a sly sense of humor. He put himself through school earning degrees in Metallurgical Engineering, Law, and finally a Juris Doctorate from George Washington University. Throughout his long life he was a foreman at a steel mill, an officer in the Army, an attorney, a deacon in his church, and a Little League coach. But his most cherished role was as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Cecil is survived by his son Andrew Townsend of Alexandria, VA; his daughter Nancy Townsend of South Riding, VA; and grandchildren Kelsey, Liam, and Sean. His legacy of love, devotion, and dedication will live on through his family and his many friends. Due to the pandemic, services will be postponed until a later date.
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My mother was Cecil’s older sister Frances, and she adored her little brother. Although her husband prevented Frances from spending more time with her family, she thought and spoke of them often and cherished any news from them. Because of those circumstances my interactions were limited for many years, but in later times I had the chance to introduce my own children to Cecil and Penny and he and I had some great conversations about family genealogy. I will also always remember the Chihuahuas, Pug and Huskies! Deepest condolences to all my cousins. —Gail Z. Martin