Robert N. DOWNER M.D.

News Death Notice

DOWNER, M.D., Robert N. Age 69, passed away January 11, 2014, peacefully and surrounded by his family at Hospice of Dayton, after many years of complications from juvenile diabetes. Robert was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Downer. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver of many years, Grace. Also survived by his two children, Martha (Fred) Downer-Assaf and John (Mary-Jo) Downer; eight grandchildren; Catherine, Claire, Hank, Jack, Luke, Mick, Sam and Tommy; Sister, Patricia Lisi; Mother-in-Law, Eleonora Ricca; Sister-in-Law, Lucy Ricca; and other relatives in Florida and New York State. Born March 31, 1944 in Newburgh, New York, Robert graduated from Valley Central High School in Montgomery, N.Y. in 1962 and from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1970 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. After obtaining his medical degree Doctor Downer moved to Cincinnati and completed specialty training at the University of Cincinnati Department of Otolaryngology and Neck Surgery. Doctor Downer practiced in Dayton Ohio in his specialty, including Facial Plastic Surgery and Pediatric Otolaryngology. He was on the staff of Good Samaritan Hospital, Kettering Memorial Hospital and Children's Medical Center. He was also Chief of Staff at Children's 1982-1983. He was a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society, Ohio State Medical Society and was board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. Doctor Downer retired in 1995 from the practice of medicine and enjoyed golfing, theater, sports and traveling. Along with his wife Grace, he was a member of the Country Club of the North in Beavercreek. Dr. Downer will be deeply missed and remain in our hearts forever. The family extends a deep felt thank you to all the doctors and nurses who cared for him at Miami Valley Hospital Medical ICU. A special thanks to Dr. John R. Boyle, Dr. James Murphy, Dr. Nicholas Christoff, and Dr. Hari Polenakovik. Family will receive friends Wednesday January 15, 5pm to 7pm at Routsong Funeral home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday January 16, 10 am, at St. Joseph Church, 411 East Second St, Dayton with Fr. Ken Pleiman officiating. Private Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to the "Dr. Robert N. Downer '66 & Martha E. Downer '90 Scholarship". The scholarship benefits students with financial need studying science. Gifts should be mailed to the following address: Union College, 807 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308. Attn: Bo Geel. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.routsong.com