IN MEMORY
ROBERT T. (BOB) LEONARD January 6, 1949 - April 10, 2016
Robert T. Leonard, 67, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016 at his home in Hummelstown, PA. Born on January 6, 1949 in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late John H. F. & Martha (Doty) Leonard. Bob was a much-loved brother and uncle to his brother John D. Leonard of Rye, NY (Doree) and his nephew John Daniel Hayes Leonard of Ann Arbor, MI (Laura), and is also survived by several cousins. His marriage to the former Joan Lois Ten Hoeve ended in divorce.
After graduating from Lehigh University with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering (later followed by an MBA), Bob served Bethlehem Steel as a manufacturing and environmental manager in Bethlehem and Steelton. Following retirement from Bethlehem, he became Zoning Administrator for West Hanover Township. He greatly enjoyed his volunteer activities and many friends in the Rolls-Royce Owners Club, where he was Secretary of the Board of Directors, and the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum.
Services will be held May 21, 2016 at 11:00am at the Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, 3125 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17109, followed by a reception. For driving directions to the service, please visit hetrickbitnerfuneralhome.com, or find the home on Facebook.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome contributions in Bob's memory to Lehigh University, the AACA Museum, the Rolls-Royce Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Charles H. Cox
On a rainy Saturday, May 21, I visited Harrisburg, PA to attend the memorial service and reception for Robert (Bob) Leonard, who passed away on April 10. The service and reception were organized by his older – and only – sibling, John, (Lebo class of ’63), and attended by about 50 of Bob’s friends, who seemed to be mainly from the Harrisburg area as far as I could tell. In John’s prepared remarks he nicely and succinctly summarized the family environment in which he and Bob grew up. Bob’s nephew, John Daniel (JD) Leonard, offered remembrances of his uncle, which were read by John’s wife Dorothy since JD was unable to attend.
After the service we adjourned to the reception, which was held at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum (AACAM) in the adjoining town of Hersey, PA. Bob had developed a serious interest in antique cars in general and in Rolls Royce cars in particular. These interests led him to be quite active in both the AACAM and the Rolls Royce Owner’s Club (RROC). About half a dozen members of the RROC drove their meticulously restored cars to the service and reception. Bringing these vintage cars out in the rain was a testament to the deep respect and affection that these folks felt for Bob. All the automobile club friends of Bob with whom I spoke were supportive of him and saddened by his passing; for example one mentioned that he had taken to mowing Bob’s grass, of which there apparently was a lot, after Bob’s health had deteriorated to the point that he was no longer able to mow it himself. Although Bob and I had drifted apart after college graduation, I was glad to have the opportunity to fill in stories and events from the missing years. I am just sorry I did not have the chance to do this while Bob was still alive.
James G. McRitchie
Thanks for the rememberence. Good to learn a little more about what Bob did after Mt. Lebanon.
Richard L. Montgomery
Charlie, thank you for posting the tribute to Bob. I did not know him well, but do remember that he seemed to be a nice guy with a kind heart. I'm glad you were able to attend his memorial service.
Elaine L. Andrews
Hi Charlie -- thanks so much for your comments. I haven't thought about Bob for many years, but knew him fairly well in high school. A smart guy, and an interesting life. All the best to you.
Devon Hixenbaugh (Sloan)
How wonderful that you were able to attend Bob's memorial service, and thank you so much for sharing this with us. It's so interesting to read more about each of us - what we have done, what we became interested in, who we are still in touch with, and who we have become. Bob was a great guy, and who knew about the Rolls Royce attachment?! How fun is that? Thanks again for letting us know a little more about our friend.
Devon
Douglas J. Hartsough
It is wonderful to learn about our fellow graduates. Like Devon, I find this interest, even fascinating - expecially the Rolls Royce aspect! I am not surprised as I think we were all blessed with remarkable members in the Class of 1966. I hope to hear more at Reunion.