In our little town of Havre de Grace, where the river meets the bay and the lighthouse keeps watch, we now mourn the loss of one of our brightest lights—Robert "Jeff" Jeffery Downer.

Born on February 12, 1966, at Harford Memorial Hospital, Jeff was 59 years old and made his final round through the town he loved on July 28, 2025.

He is survived by his loving parents, Julia (Carcirieri) Downer and Robert Downer; his sisters, Kimberly (Downer) Chiominto (Bernard) and Kristen (Downer) Cypher; and his beloved nieces and nephew: Maddison Cypher (Goddaughter), Daniel Chiominto, Rebecca Chiominto, Rileigh Cypher, and Caraline Cypher. He was preceded in death by his paternal Grandparents, Lt Col Harry Milton Downer and Rosalie Magdelena Buscemi Downer, and maternal Grandmother Angelina Carcirieri Voice.

Jeff was a best friend to many, a fisherman, a hunter, an accomplished athlete, and a true music lover. He graduated from The John Carroll School in 1984, where he played both lacrosse and football, proudly serving as captain of both teams his senior year. Jeff continued his lacrosse career at Washington College from 1985 to 1987 before transferring to Western Maryland College. There, he earned the titles of Captain and First Team All-Middle Atlantic and graduated with his Business degree in 1989. After college, he co-founded the North Bay Rugby team.

Jeff spent his working years bringing laughter, wit, and plenty of sarcasm to the food and beverage industry, most notably at Coakley's Pub, where he built lasting friendships. He was co-owner of Crew's Inn in Betterton, Maryland. Some of those closest to him included David "Hootie" Ridgley, Brad Gladfelter, Colin Walker, Eogan O'Brien, Barry West, Marty Maurice, and Gloria Nieves.

Jeff's family extends their deepest thanks to all of his friends, those named here and the countless others, who brought joy to his life. To know Jeff was to love him. His spirit has left a permanent mark on our small town, and he will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on September 20th at 11 a.m. at Zellman Funeral Home, 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jeff's memory to Parkville Adaptive Lacrosse Program. Checks should be written to Parkville Rec., and mailed to Marty Delany, 7911 Elmhurst Avenue, Parkville, MD 21234.

Jeff, it certainly was "nice to meet you."