Robert A. Downward - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Robert A. Downward

August 17, 1954 - February 4, 2020

          Robert A. Downward, age 65, of Newark, DE, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

          Born in Wilmington, DE on August 17, 1954, he was a son of Barbara (Simpson) Downward and the late Stanford B. Downward.  Robert had an esteemed career with the New Castle County Police Department.  He held many positions during his 22 years as a police officer, including 12 years in the mounted patrol unit.  Robert then worked for MBNA America for 8 years and finished his career after 11 years at the Court of Common Pleas.

          He was an avid hunter and a helpful and generous neighbor.  Robert was a lifetime member of the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company.  His fondest memories are gatherings with his family.  Above all, Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and dear friend to many.

          In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Zenorini; and father-in-law, Edward J. Newman.  Robert is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marian C. Downward; children, Michael A. Zenorini (John) of Newark, Wayne E. Zenorini (Kristen) of Vauxhall, NJ, Leslie C. Vlahos (Teddy) of Wilmington and Robert A. Downward, Jr. of Newark; identical twin brother, Stanford B. Downward, Jr. (Colleen) of Middletown; brother, David Downward (Sheila) of New Castle; grandchildren, Nathan and Landen Vlahos; and his loving pitbull, “Niko.”

          A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.  A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, February 10, 2020, at St. Mark’s UM Church, 1700 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE.  Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

          In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Friends of the Mounted Patrol, Delaware Community Foundation (with NCCPD Mounted Patrol in the memo field), NCC Mounted Police Fund, c/o Delaware Community Foundation, 100 W. 10th Street, Suite 115, Wilmington, DE 19899.

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39 Condolences for Robert A. Downward

  • Rob was a true friend, gentle-man, loved by many. Rob was like a brother to me. He will be greatly miss. Rest in peace my friend. I love you.

  • Have my sincere condolences on your lost ,be god conforting you and the whole Zenorini family.

  • My deepest condolences on the passing of Rob to his family & friends.
    May you RIP Rob & be free of your pain. GOD bless you

  • Condolences to Robert’s family and to his Police family. He was a super individual. RIP Brother 🇺🇸👮🙏

  • Thoughts and prayers for the extended Downward family. A true First Responder taken young.

  • RIP ROB, YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL!
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

  • Rob, You will be missed.

  • Rob knowing that you resting in God’s arms bring some relief.They just don’t make men like you no more Rob. First person who always volunteer to help out anyone. Rest in peace my friend. Sending your family my deepest sympathy and prayers.

  • Rob was a gentleman, friend and a New Castle County Police Academy classmate. We were great friends for over 45 years and always cherished Rob as a dear friend. I wish peace and comfort to Rob’s family in the future and know he was loved and loved all of you. Job well done my friend. Rest in peace Rob until we travel together again. I love you my brother👮‍♂️🚓🚨

  • We are very saddened to hear of Rob’s passing he was truly one of the good guys he will be missed by all who knew him.
    We are truly sorry of not being able to attend his service as we are in Florida till April. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s family. Rest In Peace.

  • Rob was a true gentleman, friend and brother at NCCPD. May God hold him gently in the palms of his hands. God bless 💙

  • Dave, Sheila and family,
    So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love
    Brandt and Sandy hanson

  • Thank you for your dedication and years of service. May your good works continue to inspire others. I’m certain your kindness has left a profound positive impact on the life of many. Many blessings to your family and family in Blue

  • Remembering a fine officer and true gentleman. May he rest easy in the House of the Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Downward family during this difficult time.

  • Sorry for your loss.

  • Marian and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I will keep you all in my Prayers.

  • Robert will be greatly missed. I had worked with Rob and Mike Zenorini at MBNA for many years. My thoughts and prayers are going out to your family.

  • Stanford and Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Robert was such a great public servant to the Citizens of New Castle County. I will remember him as a fellow Brother of the New Castle County Department of Public Safety. May Rob’s memories help ease the heartfelt pain at this most difficult time. I will have Robert and his Family in my thoughts and prayers. RIP my Friend. God Bless!

  • So sorry for your loss. Gone to soon.

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • He was such a kind, warm, amazing person. He always made me feel welcomed. My heart is heavy and I’m thinking about all of you.

  • To the Downward family and friends our thoughts and prayers are with as you deal with the loss of Rob. Rest In Peace our NCCPD brother.

  • So sad when I read this today. I remember Marian, at MBNA, you told me your Maid Marian story about Rob. It was so funny yet so sweet .

    You are in my thoughts and prayers
    Marian.

  • Dear Marian and family , I’m sorry for your loss . I am honored and blessed to have known Rob and yourselves . He was truly a blessing and will be greatly missed . His kindness will always be remembered .

  • My deepest condolences Rob will be missed.

  • I was fortunate to be associated with Rob from his entry thru the doors of the Academy and during the remainder of his career. Pride in the badge and a positive representative of his Department. As echoed by his brothers and sisters of NCCPD, I will also add to their comments by sharing that the public had no doubt when they encountered Rob, as standing before them was a true gentleman who also happened to be a police officer.
    Keeping you and your family in our prayers, I salute you my friend.

  • I didn’t know Robert but we are probably related through our lineage. Interesting to see that he was a police officer. I was also a police officer as was my brother and several other Downward relatives around the country. We must be a family dedicated to the service of our fellow mankind! Condolences to the Robert Downward Family.

  • I was fortunate to have known Rob and the kind gentleman that he was. He made a lasting impression on me and everyone he met. We are keeping you and all the Downward family in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my friend.

  • SO SORRY, HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND OFFICER. R.I.P. PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY.

  • We were very saddened to hear of Rob’s passing. He was a kind and gentle soul always willing to help a friend or stranger. Our condolences to Stan, Colleen and the entire Downward family.

  • Maid Marion, I was shocked Rob’s photo in the paper.I cannot even guess the loss youms be feeling. He was one of the good guys and he will be missed by everyone who ever had contact with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Dave and Bernice Kohn

  • Marian and Family…Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the passing of Rob…He touched many lives in so many ways…We will remember his character and wit from MBNA as well as the unfortunate sessions at the Helen Graham Center… Celebrate his amazing life and find strength in your memories…Wishing you feelings of comfort, moments of peace, and memories of joy during this difficult time…
    Our deepest sympathy,
    Monica, Jim and Ava Bradley

  • Robbie was the best neighbor anyone could ever have! From the very first day I moved in Robbie and his family showed my family kindness, care and friendship. We appreciated everything you ever did for us. My deepest condolences to the Downward family. May God comfort and bless you and give you peace in this time.

  • To Rob’s family and friends. My heart is sad at his passing. My husband and I were good firehouse friends with Rob and Stan for many years. He was such a nice person and a friend to all of us. Thoughts and prayers for you all.

  • From all I’ve seen and heard through the video memorial and the testimonies of others, he was a beautiful person.

    I wish I’d known him.

    Thank you for your service, sir.
    Rest in peace.

  • My deepest condolences to the the Downward family. Robbie was alway thoughtful and kind. The very best neighbor you could ever have. My girls and I will miss him immensely but I know Robbie is at peace with God.

  • Your brother in law is in my prayers.

  • My husband and I were neighbors of his mom and dad for years until they moved. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great man and such a friend to us. He was always smiling and happy. You will be missed.

  • Rob was a customer (haircut) of mine for many years. I found him to be generous, sweet and caring. He was a dear friend. I will truly miss him.