Robert B. Downer
Robert Byron Downer, of Media, Pa., died at home on August 30, 2019 after a lengthy illness. Bob was 89.
Born in 1930 in Pinole, California (Oakland), to Edward M. Downer and Edna Butler Downer, Bob grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, eventually moving to Menlo Park. He attended Menlo College and Stanford University, where he received his B.A. and M.B.A. degrees. Upon graduating from Stanford, he served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1953 to 1955. Following his Army commitment, Bob began a successful career with Scott Paper Company. In 1959 he moved to the East Coast, where he established his Philly roots. In 1969, Bob was founding principal of the Bio Clinic Company, a pioneering medical business specializing in therapeutic foam products. After Bio Clinic, Bob continued consulting with a number of medical companies until his retirement.
Bob was devoted, passionate and involved in the everyday lives of his three sons, especially by supporting their athletic interests and endeavors. He served as president of the Aston-Middletown Little League Association; was a huge supporter of the Media Youth Center (Media Boys’ Club); volunteered to coach numerous basketball and baseball teams; attended many of his sons’ games (basketball, baseball and soccer) from Little League through college, and later in their respective coaching careers.
Bob was a sports fan himself and enjoyed attending/supporting or simply watching on TV: Lower Merion Basketball, Kobe Bryant and his Lakers, Phillies, 76ers, Eagles, Big Five hoops, and any Stanford University game on TV — he loved his Cardinal sports!
As genuine and as kind-hearted as they come, Bob is survived by his wife of 39 years, Josephine (Jody) Downer; three sons from his first marriage (Marjorie): Andrew J. Downer, Gregg M. Downer (Colleen), and Robert Bradford Downer; granddaughter Brynn R. Downer (Gregg and Colleen); a stepson Timothy E. Daland (Barbara); and step-grandson Tucker Daland.
His loving caregivers were Bridget Pryor, Alicia Davies, Elizabeth Benson, and Dominic Otieno, and hospice nurses Brittany, Erica, Amber, Denise and Shai.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, 747 Harvard Avenue, Swarthmore. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Media Youth Center, 1 Youth Way, Media, PA 19063 (formerly known as the Media Boys’ Club).
Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E. Fourth Street, Media, PA 19063. www.haganfuneralhome.com.
