Robert Ashbrook MacDowell, 96, of Marcellus

Robert Ashbrook MacDowell, 96, of Marcellus, N.Y., passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 in Ft. Myers, Fla.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Virginia (Richter), in 2015.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on Aug. 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 World War II, 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, Fla.

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; son, Robert II (Deborah) of Williamsburg, Va.; seven grandchildren; 14 loving great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Frances Van Buren, Joyce Richter; and niece, Lori (Robert) Edge, all of Port Ewen.

Services will be Friday, May 26, 2017, 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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