It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Downey beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Robert “Bob” Downey, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Siesta Key, FL. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Robert Downey and Adele Galvani Daley and the beloved husband of Christine (Altobelli) Downey for 62 years.

Bob graduated from Newton Vocational School and became a skilled master electrician. He was a proud member of IBEW Local 103 Electrical Union for 70 years. He later served the town of Framingham as a firefighter at the Nobscot Fire Station retiring in 1990.

He is survived by his children, Robert M Downey and wife Renee of Oviedo, FL and Karen Pellegrini and her husband John of Ashland, MA; grandchildren, Nicole and Rachael Downey, and Jessica (Mitch), Katherine, Jeannette and Elena Pellegrini. Bob is predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Daley.

Bob was a truly special man whose intelligence, humor, generosity and love for his family touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Bob was an avid reader, smart and incredibly knowledgeable, with an insatiable curiosity about the world around him. He subscribed to three newspapers and would read all of them during his morning coffee. He had a remarkable ability to remember facts, history and world events, and was always eager to share what he knew. His friends affectionately called him "Mr Encyclopedia". Bob would jokingly say he was full of "useless information" but somehow, it was always exactly the information needed.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people smile and laugh. He especially enjoyed entertaining his family and friends, whether through a joke, funny story or a bit of trivia. A lifelong lover of music, he could often be found in the middle of a gathering singing and playing the guitar. One of his favorite songs was a colorful self composed song about Siesta Key, his favorite place.

He was a sports enthusiast. A particularly memorable piece of his football history was attending the first professional New England Patriots game on September 9, 1960 at Boston University. He was the number one fan of all sports played by his children and grandchildren.

Bob's laughter, his music and his unforgettable personality will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday Oct. 9th at 11:00am in St. Cecilia’s Church, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA with urn burial to follow in St. Tarcisius Cemetery in Framingham. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 9:00-10:30am prior to the service at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA.