Obituary for Robert Lowery, MD

Robert Chesley Lowery Jr. was born on October 7, 1949. He was the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from California State University at Los Angeles in 1972. He went on to earn a Doctor of Medicine from the University of San Francisco in 1976. While there, he developed what would become a lifelong interest in cardiovascular disease and surgery. Robert then completed an internship and residency in general surgery and fellowship training in cardiothoracic surgery at Downstate Medical Center State University of New York. 

Robert’s interest in academic medicine led him to Howard University, where he served as Assistant Professor and Acting Chief of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery from 1985 to 1988. He then entered private practice in affiliation with Medstar Washington Hospital Center from 1988 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2014. He returned to Downstate, serving as Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 2002 to 2007. He retired in 2014. Robert received multiple awards, including the Patient Choice Award of Washington Hospital Center and being named a Top Doctor in Washingtonian magazine. He co-authored more than 50 publications. 

Robert loved adventure; was a black diamond and helicopter skier, an expert diver, and a sailor who earned a black belt in Hapkido. He traveled to more than 100 countries on six continents. In addition, he was an accomplished wildlife still photographer whose portfolio included emperor penguins in Antarctica, gorillas in Rwanda, and jaguars in the Amazon. Robert enjoyed cooking for family and friends, wine collecting, and fine dining. He was a voracious reader with an encyclopedic knowledge of food and wine, along with a wide-ranging interest in literature and music. 

Robert died on May 18, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. DeNaye Brown; sisters Meredith, Beryl (Peter), Alison (Ira); sister-in-law Rosie; son Jason (Lori); grandson Jason; granddaughters Mya and London; great-grandson Daniel; and great-granddaughter Demi. 

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