Robert Ashbrook MacDowell, 96, of Marcellus, passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 in Ft. Myers, FL. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Virginia (Richter), in 2015; parents, Vernon and Anna McDowell; and stepfather, George Kenyon.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, on August 26, 1920, he graduated from Saugerties High School where he was president of his class and captain of the basketball team. He graduated from Purdue University in 1942 as a civil engineer.
During WWII, Bob was commissioned a Navy lieutenant serving in the Pacific Theater on the destroyer escort PC 804.
For 31 years, Bob worked as a professional engineer for the State of NY Office of General Services in Albany. Upon retirement, he and Virginia wintered in Ft. Myers Beach, FL.
Bob enjoyed following his Purdue Boilers and Cincinnati Reds, playing cards and camping in their RV, especially with grandchildren.
Bob will be remembered as a gentleman, with his smile, wit and kindness to all.
Surviving are his devoted daughter, Bonnie (Richard) Aupperle of Marcellus and their children, Richard III (Maria), Andrew (Beth), Matthew (Katharine) and Scott (Kimberly); son, Robert II (Deborah) of Williamsburg, VA and their children, Rebecca (Michael) Lecaroz, Megan MacDowell and Ryan MacDowell; loving great-grandchildren, Ava, Richard IV, Adelle, Anna, Sophia, Emma, Ella, Madelyn, Matthew II, Charlotte, Lauren and Leah Aupperle, and Julia, and Paige Lecaroz; sisters-in-law, Frances Van Buren and Joyce Richter; and niece, Lori (Robert) Edge.
Services will be Friday, May 26 at 11 a.m. in Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd., Camillus with full military honors following the service. Burial will be private in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
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