Robert John Downing, 87, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2026.

Robert was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, on February 22, 1939, to the late Mariner E. Downing and Viola D. (Tibbetts) Downing. He graduated from Everett High School with the Class of 1957 and went on to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. During his service, he worked on the SM-65 Atlas missile program at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma. His time in the Air Force was an important chapter in a life marked by dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take on a challenge.

Robert shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Louise P. (Carafa) Downing. Throughout their married life, they made homes and memories in Texas, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

A man who could always find something to build, fix, improve, or create, Robert took great pride in his ability to do things himself. He loved home improvement projects and spent countless hours clearing land and transforming his ideas into reality. Among his favorite accomplishments was building a log cabin, which he later expanded with a post-and-beam addition. He also took on the ambitious project of hand-digging an in-ground pool with the help of family and friends. That pool became the setting for many happy summer days spent relaxing poolside and enjoying time together.

Robert also had a passion for rebuilding old trucks and enjoyed the satisfaction that came from bringing something old back to life. Whether he was working on a truck, improving the house, clearing land, or building something from scratch, Robert was happiest when he was busy and working with his hands.

Robert was a proud and devoted member of Star of Bethlehem Lodge, AF&AM, for 56 years.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Louise; his children, Susan Merriman and her husband David, Robin Downing, and Robert Downing and his wife Robin; and his grandchildren, Leah Powers and her husband Michael, Melissa Navarro, Lauren Merriman and her fiancé Bryce Glover, Tyler Downing and his wife Dorothy, Rebecca Merriman, Christopher Navarro and his wife Alison, Jacob Downing, and Brandon Navarro. He also leaves his two great-grandchildren, Benjamin Powers and James Powers. He was predeceased by his brother, Douglas B. Downing.

Robert will be remembered as a hardworking, determined, and resourceful man who was never afraid of a challenge. He built much throughout his life—from homes and projects to lasting memories with the people he loved. His greatest legacy, however, will be the family and friends he cherished, and the many lives made better by having him in them.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children's at Shriners Children’s Boston, Office of Philanthropy, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 or on-line at Honor a Loved One | Shriners Children's

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences through the online guestbook or to send a personalized sympathy card.