Robert C. Downs 86 of Natick died Friday, January 20, 2012 at the Mary Ann Morse Nursing Home in Natick.
He was the beloved husband for 58 years of the late Rita E. (Hayes) Downs who died in 2004.
A Natick resident for 62 years he was born in the Brooklyn section of New York City, son of the late Charles Lehman and Helen R. (Norkus) Downs.
Mr. Downs was with IBM Corporation for 41 years retiring as a systems engineer in 1991.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II aboard the much heralded destroyer, the USS Murphy. During the D-Day Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach the USS Murphy provided fire support, screen duty, engaged in gun duels with the German shore batteries, and repelled numerous German U-boat and torpedo attacks.
In late 1944 his ship escorted President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Malta and Egypt conferences. The USS Murphy was the first U.S warship to enter the harbor of Jidda in Saudi Arabia to transport King Ibn Saud to a treaty meeting on a larger ship with FDR. The king had previously never left his country or traveled by ship.
Mr. Downs remained active with the USS Murphy reunions and maintained friendships with his shipmates throughout his life.
He was a devout member of St Patrick Parish in Natick was active in the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society and taught CCD for many years.
He is survived by 8 children, Robert C. Downs Jr. and his wife Nancy of Bedford, Maureen O’Neil and her husband Pete of Brookline NH, John Downs and his wife Hazel of Bellingham, Joseph Downs of Bellingham, Rita Bell and her husband Andy of Holliston, Daniel Downs of Boston, David Downs of Boulder CO, Helen Downs of Sarasota Fl, one brother Vincent Downs of Jupiter Beach FL, 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was also the father of the late Charles Downs, Jeanne Finnerty, Anna Margaret Downs, brother of the late Charles Downs and Eugene Downs.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Patrick Church at 10:00 A.M.
Visiting hours are Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Burial with Naval Military Honors will take place on Tuesday at 1:15 P.M. at The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.