(The following obituary was originally published on the Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home website.)
Robert Woodward Leach, Jr., 96, of Lansdale, died peacefully on Sunday, January 31, 2021 surrounded by family in the house he helped build in 1947. He was the husband of the late Margaret (Nellett) Leach, who died June 19, 2012.
A lifelong resident of Lansdale, he was the youngest son and last surviving of 12 children of the late Katie (Jackson) and Robert W. Leach.
“Junie” was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Lansdale. He was a 1942 graduate of Lansdale High School and a boxing champion for two years.
Mr. Leach joined the Army at the age of 19 and volunteered for the Darby Rangers, a commando unit. His battalion was wiped out in the Battle of Anzio in 1944 and he was taken prisoner.
After the war he returned to Lansdale, met his future wife at Willow Grove Park, and was soon employed as a pipefitter at Lansdale Tube Co. (which eventually became Ford Electronics), retiring in 1990.
Junie enjoyed his family and hosted the annual Easter gathering for many years. In his retirement, he traveled with his wife, Margaret, abroad and in the USA. Never slowing down, he hiked the Grand Canyon at age 74 and went skydiving at age 90 and 92.
He enjoyed watching westerns on TV, gardening and baking, usually having a fresh creation every week. He also enjoyed playing golf weekly.
He is survived by his children Barbara Brasch (James) of Harleysville, Robert T. Leach (Virginia) of Green Lane, Diane Morton (James) of Cape May, and Daniel Leach (Janet) of Hatfield; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Helen Nellett Hiller; a brother-in-law, Robert “Buck” Curley; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, June Messa; and 11 siblings.
Graveside services will be held privately in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler. Arrangements are by the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale.
Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Lansdale, 700 N. Broad Street, Lansdale, PA 19446 or Manna on Main Street, 606 E. Main Street , Lansdale, PA 19446.
See also:
Obit: Charles J. Klara, WWII Veteran, Dies at 93
Obit: James ‘Sinzy’ Sinz, Towamencin Supervisor And Vietnam Veteran, Dies At 74
Matthew Carr Budinko, Vietnam Vet and Grandfather of 10, Dies at 74
Obit: Jim Algeo Sr., Longtime Lansdale Catholic Football Coach, Dies at 83
Obit: F. Lee Mangan, Longtime Lansdale Borough Manager, Dies at 70
