Robert Martin “Red” Lowndes, 85, of Tariffville, husband of the late Irene (McVeigh) Lowndes, died Thursday, March 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by family. He was a man who touched many lives and was loved by his family, campers, and neighbors. He was born May 31, 1935 in New Haven, son of the late Robert Francis and Cecelia (Roche) Lowndes. He grew up in Hartford with his best friend and brother Ed. He lived in Tariffville most of his adult life raising his 5 kids with his Wild Irish Rose Irene. He was a veteran of the Cold War having served in the U.S. Army. Bob was a graduate of Springfield College, Class of 1957, having received his Bachelors of Science in Biology. He also earned his Masters Degree at Springfield College. Bob was the Camp Director at Harkness for 60 years where all 5 kids spent summers and worked as counselors for Dad. As much as he loved his job, he never felt he like he worked a day in his life. He loved pitching infinite innings of baseball and spending afternoons standing ankle deep in Long Island Sound. He was a Teacher at Oak Hill School for the Blind for 50 years prior to his retirement. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury, the Knights of Columbus and a proud member of the Fairchild Rd. Christmas Choir leading the revelry around the neighborhood. Dad was fond of gardening and travel and most of all enjoyed spending time cheering his grandchildren on in their respective sports and activities.

He is survived by his children, Kathleen Hollar and husband Blake of Charlotte, NC, Michael Lowndes and wife Vicki of Simsbury, Kevin Lowndes and wife Jennifer of Bethesda, MD, Elizabeth O’Brien and husband Kevin of Trumbull, CT and Daniel Lowndes and wife Samantha of Fort Collins, CO; his grandchildren, Bridgette and Andy Hollar, Michael, Kylee and Jeffrey Lowndes, Robert and Charlotte Lowndes, Samantha and Christopher O’Brien and Maggie and Luke Lowndes. He was predeceased by his wife Irene and brother, Ed.

There are no calling hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 9th. Those who wish to attend remotely can do so by visiting his “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com . Donations in his memory may be made by sending a check to Oak Hill Camp Memo: Bob Lowndes, 85 Jones Street, Amston, CT 06231. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements.