Robert Lawrence Downey

Robert Lawrence Downey, 86, of Sycamore, IL, passed away on July 12, 2023. Robert was born on July 14, 1936 in Alton, IL to Leota Josephine Clifton and George Thomas Downey. He grew up as the middle of seven children, who were all very close. His father passed away when he was nine years old. When he was 12, his mother moved their family to Chicago where Robert attended Goethe Grade School and Lane Tech High School. He made life long friends playing 16” clincher softball, which he continued to play well into adulthood. Robert held many interesting jobs before driving a truck delivering Butternut bread for 32 years. He was always quick to point out his “experience” from those jobs when volunteering to help anyone do household handiwork. He always wanted to keep himself busy and was very active. Robert had a very funny personality and was a “big kid” at heart. He loved teasing others and was well known for his bad “dad” jokes, crazy comments, corny puns, and silly antics. There are many stories of Robert’s “stunts” he performed, even as an octogenarian. He had a jovial spirit and his zest for life was infectious and memorable to so many. He enjoyed softball, bowling, golfing, and was a fantastic dancer. His very favorite pastime was being with others and having big get-togethers with family and friends. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Linda, nee Longton. He adored and was very proud of ALL his children: Jill, Rob (Catherine), Patrick (Muna), Jennifer (Rob), Julia (Mike), and Melissa. He treasured his fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He has many cherished nieces, nephews, and a surviving sister-in-law and brother-in-law. He will be missed by many. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents and his six siblings: Thomas, Patricia, Shirley, Nancy, Richard, and Sara. Memorial Visitation Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or to the staff and facility that took such great care of Robert towards the end of his life, Lincolnshire Place, Attn :John Rosenow, 710 Vellagio Dr., Sycamore, IL 60178. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com