Robert M. Leech

Robert M. Leech, 73, of Meadville died Sunday, February 29, 2004 at his home on Dickson Road.

Born in Buffalo, NY April 15, 1930, he was a son of Joseph and Blanche Daniels Leech.  He married Lorraine Rothrock October 14, 1950 and she survives.

He served in the Korean Conflict in the US Army 51st Signal Battalion from 1952-1953.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 234, a member in good standing of Erie Zem Zem Shrine Temple and Crawford County Shrine Club.

His faith was in the beauty of the land, of all things growing, and in building things to live on and on.

He loved to hunt and fish in both the US and Canada.  For the last 35 years he enjoyed farming at his farm in Lyona, PA.

As President of Leech Tool & Die Works, he grew the business from a small tool shop in 1948 into a multi-faceted facility doing business worldwide.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Lorraine, include: 4 sons, Dean and his wife Jody, Darrel and his wife Cheryl, Kevin and his wife Kim, Michael and his wife Lee Ann all of Meadville; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey, Garret, Ashley, Jason, Benjamin, Tasha, Dylan, Emily & Ryan; 2 brothers, Thomas Leech  and his wife Nancy and Daniel Leech and his wife Joyce, both of Meadville and several nieces and nephews.

One grandchild, Travis Leech, preceded him in death.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut St., Meadville.  The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. with the Rev. Gregory Streed, Pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335.