Robert B. Leach

Robert B. Leach succumbed to natural causes on August 18, 2015 at the Park Avenue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Meadville where he had resided for the last seven years. Robert had formerly resided at 9723 Leach Road (renamed circa 2000 to honor his legacy) in Meadville for over fifty years.
Robert was born on November 10, 1915 in Reynoldsville, PA, and he was the only son of Earl Mead Leach and Alverna Mae Ritzie Leach. He had one elder sister LaRue Reiter, wife of Fred Reiter, who predeceased him circa 1974. His wife Mary Leach predeceased him in 1997. He is survived by a daughter Susan Klippel who lives in Foley, AL; and a son David Leach who lives in Jacksonville, FL. He also is survived by grandchildren Mary Couch, Donald Klippel, and Robert Klippel; four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was formerly self-employed as a Barber, and he was the Owner/Operator of two barbershops, the last of which was previously located at 286 Chestnut Street in Meadville. He had been retired since 1993 and he had become a full-time fisherman after practicing the barber trade for more than sixty years. He was an avid gun collector, fisherman, hunter, and sportsman. Fishing became his life-long passion and he travelled to many destinations in the U. S. and Canada in pursuit of this sport. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, the Barbers Union, the Meadville Sportsman’s Club, and the World War II Veteran’s Association.

Robert was a World War II Army veteran who fought in the Pacific Rim. He was deployed to New Caledonia and New Guinea. He eventually landed in Lingayen Gulf on Luzon in the Philippines and was transported to Manila, Philippines as part of the invasion forces that eventually recaptured Manila. He was awarded several medals for his bravery in combat.
Robert opened a barber shop in the 2nd floor of a building on Chestnut St. in Meadville that was next to the former Weldon’s apparel shop circa 1948-1959. He employed several other barbers, some of whom left to form their own businesses. However he was best known for practicing his trade at the historic barber shop located in the sub-level of 286 Chestnut St. in which he practiced with Mr. Anthony Rinella from 1969 to 1993. Robert practiced the barber trade for over sixty years and he knew many people in the Meadville and surrounding areas.
Robert’s loving wife of 58 years Mary Sue Johnson Leach passed away at Rolling Fields Elder Care Community, Conneautville, PA in 1997 after an extended illness.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at the Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home, 404 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA on Saturday August 29, 2015 at 11 AM.
Following Military Honors by VFW Post 2006, Robert will be laid to rest next to his wife Mary in Greendale Cemetery.
Share a memory or condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com