While at the a University of Dayton, Royal was my study buddy, friend and protector. We remained in touch through his service in Desert Storm. It was no doubt that he would achieve much in this life. I returned to the University of Dayton this weekend and learned of Royal’s passing. My sincere condolences to the Downs’ Family.

Royal Downs….my funny friend, my work PIC….oh the fun times we had at Penn State Army ROTC. I will always remember you coming through the door smiling that smile of yours, spinning in circles while singing “The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music”, playing the “name that song” with the Cadre (you always came in first), Jen-Ay (you’re the peas to my carrots….you called me carrot), singing Jimmy Buffett songs in the car on the way to lunch “Boat Drinks” – how can I ever hear that song again and not think of you?! Watching our SOAP Opera in the cadet lounge, Talking to Steve Wilkos on the phone (you didn’t believe I knew him until that day), And who could forget the Famous Royal Downs To Do List (that I believe I still have) My heart is so heavy learning of this news. I loved hearing your stories about your son and then your wife and daughter, your family (parents, brother, and extended family) that you were so proud of. I’ll always remember our antics at work and my innate ability to cover down with the best story (you know)! And I remember talking about our hometowns and how they connected us – Pittsburgh (you grew up there and I lived there for awhile), Woodbridge (I grew up there and you lived there for awhile). I could go on and on and feel as though I am talking to you right now….My heart is so heavy knowing that this world will never be the same without my dear friend. I DO know that heaven is a better place with you in it….singing, dancing, smiling….and looking over your loved ones. I pray they hold all the love you had for them in their hearts and are comforted by that. My friend…you forever changed me and you will be missed beyond measure. For The Glory….We Are….Penn State!!

I was sorry to hear of Royal\’s passing. I did not know him well but I knew him enough to realize that he was a good human being. Brings back memories. Funny where life can take you if you take advantage of opportunities that come your way. I decided at the last minute to take a week off from my civilian job to attend Royal\’s FA57 Q Course at the 75th Training Division (Army Reserves) in Houston, Texas in 2009. One year later I took an extended leave of absence from my civilian job and was back in uniform as a Army FA-57 after being out of the active Army for 10 years. I never went back to my civilian job and am working as an FA-57 to this day. One of the best decisions I ever made was going to Royal\’s class. Godspeed Royal!

I was sorry to hear of Royal’s passing. I did not know him well but I knew him enough to realize that he was a good human being. Brings back memories. Funny where life can take you if you take advantage of opportunities that come your way. I decided at the last minute to take a week off from my civilian job to attend Royal’s FA57 Q Course at the 75th Training Division (Army Reserves) in Houston, Texas in 2009. One year later I took an extended leave of absence from my civilian job and was back in uniform as a Army FA-57 after being out of the active Army for 10 years. I never went back to my civilian job and am working as an FA-57 to this day. One of the best decisions I ever made was going to Royal’s class. Godspeed Royal!

We are so sorry to hear this news – we have so many fond memories of growing up with Royal in junior and high school. We are awed by his service to our country- god bless his memory and loved ones. Greg and Lauren Garofolo

It had been decades since we last saw each other, I must have been in my preteens but I remember you always being kind “older kid” to me then. My heart goes out to the family. My condolences.

Thanks for always being a sounding board and mentor to me. I will miss you my friend but I will see you again. Take your rest.