Robert Eugene Downey

Robert Eugene Downey, 82 of Columbia, Maryland passed away February 5, 2020.

He was born on May 20th 1937 in Madison, Wisconsin to Gene Downey and Mildred Martin Downey.  He retired from the Department of Defense with 38 years of service including time with the United States Navy and the National Security Agency in 1993. During these 38 years, he was beloved by all who he reported to and all who reported to him. His career began with his years of service in the United States Navy where he worked in the Navy Chapel in Washington, DC and met his beloved wife and forever buddy, Mary Lou Griffin Downey. After his service in the United States Navy, he began his career as a Federal Employee and civil servant with the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland as a purchasing agent in 1960. Years of hard work,  persistence and sweet Irish charisma, and smiles, led to opportunities beyond the wildest dreams of this young Wisconsin native. His passion for his work through the agency and his need to provide the very best for his wonderful family brought him the opportunity to work for five years at Camp Zama  Japan from 1973-1978. This was followed by another wonderful opportunity in Stuttgart, Germany from 1980-1983, and then a final tour to Bad Abbling, Germany in 1987-1992. His passion to serve his country, his family, and God will continue to inspire all who knew him, and all who will continue to hear of his legacy. Robert, Bob, loved everyone he met and never had a negative thing to say about anyone or anything. His response to anyone's negativity was always to “offer it up”. In addition to his love for his career, family and life he enjoyed playing softball, handball, golf, traveling with his love, Mary Lou, as well as seeing and spending time with loved ones and family. His Irish smile and cheer always made every hour of each day a “happy hour” for all. His amazing, warm personality and smile will always be with those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Lou Griffin Downey. He was a beloved father to Kevin Downey, Donna Downey, Kathleen (Downey) Karcher, George Karcher, Sheila (Downey) Shaw, David Shaw and Michael Downey, Denise  Downey as well as a beloved Grandfather to Delaney (Karcher) Casaclang, Chris Casaclang, Brittney Shaw, Chris Karcher, Kaitlyn Shaw, Tabitha Downey, Kevin James Downey and a beloved Great Grandfather to sweet Grayson (Downey) Rodriguez. He is survived by his Brother, Paul Martin Downey, and was preceded in death by his parents Gene Downey and Mildred Martin Downey as well as his two siblings, Carol Downey and Mary (Downey) (Rose) Hendrickson.  . 

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. on  Friday 2/14/2020 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm followed by a funeral at Saint Mary’s of the Mill on Saturday 2/15/2020 at 10:00 am, Interment to follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery with reception to follow.

Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Saint Mary’s of the Mills Church, Laurel, MD.

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