Robert W. Downey
President, Mon Valley Chapter
American Merchant Marine Veterans
Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Robert W. Downey died at age 82 in West Mufflin, PA, crossed the bar December 2,  2009. The love of Bob's life was his wife of 56 years, the late Alice "Joan" Downey; loving father of Carolyn (Rick) Frederick, Kathleen Downey (William Stiver), Patricia Thomas) DeVito and Robert P. (Maureen) Downey. Proud grandfather of Jill (Steve) Schiller; Adam and Rachel Frederick; Daniel Patrick and Peter Stiver; Gregory (Dani)  and Rebecca DeVito; Josh and Nicole Downey; brother of Marlene (George) Getty and the late Donald and Edward Downey; brother-in-law of Nancy and Bob Brown, Bill and Roberta Green, Carol and Michael Ossesia; son of the late Martin and Nellie (Fothergill) Downey.
Always a patriot from the "greatest generation," Bob volunteered for the Navy however was sent to serve in the U.S.Merchant Marine during World War II.
After the war, he continued contributing to the protection of the country by working at Westinghouse on the design and development of nuclear reactors for the U.S. Navy as well as commercial power.
In retirement, he was president of the Mon Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII, fighting for recognition and benefits for those forgotten heroes and veterans.
Bob was a self-educated man. His intelligence, wit and humor will be greatly missed by all. Friends will be received Thursday 7-9 and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11:00AM at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Old Clairton Road, West Mifflin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 777 Penn Center Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA.


Ken Yearsly
President, Alaska Greatlands Chapter
American Merchant Marine Veterans
Ken passed November 29, 2009. More information to follow.


Barney Slaugenhaupt
Barney Slaugenhaupt, member of the Mid-Columbia Chapter (Washington) of the American Merchant Marine Veterans crossed the bar October 2, 2009. In addition to AMMV, Barney was active in several community organizations including Rotary Club and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. He also served onb the board of directors of the Lake Chelan Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Ddoris, three grand children and one great grandchild.
A celebration of Life for Bill Silva was held November 14. Representatives from several American Merchant Marine Veterans Chapters attended.  AMMVOregon Chapter President Max Gutierrez presented a U.S. flag to Shirely Silva on behalf of a grateful nation. 
ALOHA OUR DEAR FRIEND.
Bill Silva
President, Cascade Mariners Chapter
American Merchant Marine Veterans
From The Columbian, Vancouver, WA
   Prior to joining the Merchant Marine, Frank worked at the Manteca California Creamery as an ice cream maker, a skill which he used as a refrigeration engineer on board ship during WWII. Frank’s determination and hard work paid off with a brilliant education. He retired from Modesto Junior College in 1976 where he was a Professor of Agriculture specializing in poultry.
   Frank was a founding member of the Stockton Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and its first president. When the chapter closed a few years ago he transferred to the Sacramento Valley Chapter.

Long-time AMMV member
Frank Espinola Jr. crosses the bar at 91
In Memoria
Established August 23, 1984
The voice of the American Merchant Marine Veteran