Robert W. McDowell of New Paltz, N.Y. died peacefully March 8, with his wife, Margaret, at his side at their winter home in Fort Pierce, Fla., just days before his 92nd birthday.
Robert was born was born in Kings Park, N.Y. March 20, 1930, to Helen Sarine and Edward Levi McDowell.He graduated from Middletown High School and attended Syracuse University College of Forestry.He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict.
Robert married Bernadine Matlos, a registered nurse, on Jan. 30, 1954, and they raised their family of five children in New Paltz.He spent most of his career as Business Officer at S.U.N.Y. New Paltz, before he and his wife founded Bermac, a nursing and home care business. Bernadine died Oct. 31, 1988.
Robert married Margaret Armento on Aug. 27, 1994, and together they continued to operate Bermac.Upon retirement they split their time between New Paltz, Cape Cod, Mass. and Fort Pierce.
Robert was an avid golfer and a member of The Paltz Club, the American Legion Post 1219, Sons of the American Revolution, American Society of Dowsers, the ROMEOs and the Mid-Hudson Wine Society. He was a supporter of Shadowland Stages. Robert’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his wife Margaret, he is survived by Robert E. McDowell (Pamela), Clayton, N.Y., John S. McDowell (Eileen), Pleasant Valley, N.Y., Pati McDowell, Lake Katrine, N.Y., Teri McDowell (Laura) Estero, Fl., Ann Uvino (Anthony) and three stepsons: Dante Armento, Saugerties, N.Y., Benjamin Armento, Woodstock, N.Y. and Phil Bertelsen, Manhattan, N.Y.Robert is also survived by a sister, Mildred Parrella, Middletown, N.Y., 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 nephews, Charles (Jeanne) Parrella, Middletown, NY and Kerry (Elizabeth) Crissman, Vero Beach, Fl.
Calling hours will be held at Copeland Funeral Home, New Paltz, Thursday, March 24 from 3 pm-6pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, March 25 at St. Joseph’s Church, New Paltz, at 11a.m. Interment will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.
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