Robert N. Downes, Jr.

Age 75, of Wilmington, Delaware passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was born to Admiral Robert N. Downes and Marylyn Reeve Downes in Wilmington, Delaware on May 17, 1938. Bob spent his younger years in Monterey, California and Norfolk, Virginia prior to returning to Delaware where he spent his adult life.
Bob graduated from Newark High School, the University of Delaware and the Syracuse School of Marketing. After graduation, he worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia for 32 years. He retired in 1997 as a Vice President of Supervision and Regulation.
He was an incredibly positive, kind and thoughtful man who valued friends and family. He never missed an opportunity to say, "I love you and am proud of you". It was his warmth that will be missed by all. Bob not only expressed kindness to those he knew, but he had a gift of being able to make even total strangers feel relaxed, whether with a joke or deep conversation.
After friends and family, sports were the second most important part of Bob's life. Whether participating, watching or teaching he could often be seen at locals parks and athletic facilities Active in basketball and lacrosse in high school and college, Bob later enjoyed competitive long distance running and was a champion squash player. He coached youth sports and officiated softball and football for many years. He became an expert sports memorabilia collector with a network of friends across the country which led to consulting manufacturers of vintage sports apparel regarding the authenticity of the items.
Bob had a special fondness for animals as well, especially his Boston Terriers. They were his constant companions and helped him recover from serious illnesses that he always said were "not a problem"
He is survived by his college girlfriend, Clare Guenveur Downes with whom he shared 52 years of marriage, his son Robert Reeve and his daughters Jane and Juliette of Studio City California, his son Roger and his daughter Julia of Alameda California, and brother William Downes of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He will be always be remembered and loved by friends and family including Anne Downes and his many Guenveur relatives who were especially fond of "Uncle Bob".
The family invites friends to join them on Thursday July11, 2013 at 11:00 to share prayers and graveside service at Saint Joseph's on The Brandywine.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: The Humane Society of the United States 2100 L St., NW Washington, D.C. 20037

Krienen-Griffith
994-9614
www.Delawarefuneral.com