Obituary of Robert S. Leer

Robert S. Leer Robert S. Leer of Vestal, NY went to be with his precious Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 25. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leopold Leer and Frances Dirkes Leer Calcagni, as well as his brother-in-law David Armitage, Sr. and son-in-law Robert Kelley. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley Armitage Leer, sons Stuart (Linda) Leer, Hong Kong, Jonathan (Cathy) Leer, Deerfield, NH, daughters Anne (Bob) Wickman, Endicott, NY, and Rebecca Leer, Ridgewood, NJ. Bob and Shirley have eight grand-children: Jared Wickman, Joshua Wickman, Lacey (Nick) Anglin, Dustin Leer, Darrin Leer, Christopher Leer, and Claire Kelley; sister-in-law Barri Armitage, Silver Spring, MD, nephew David (Kristin) Armitage and great-niece Grace Armitage. Bob Leer was born on September 26, 1924 in Englewood, NJ. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he received a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). After enjoying a lengthy career as a senior electrical engineer with IBM Corporation's Federal Systems Division in Owego, NY where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club, he retired in 1984. Bob was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honor society and a founding member of Grace Lutheran Church where he served the Lord faithfully for over 60 years. He was a skilled woodcarver and member of the Southern Tier Woodcarvers Society. Dad / Grampy will always be remembered for his "Daddy jokes", delicious home-made ice cream and eggnog, and his loving, gentle spirit. His words were always kind, his patience never wore thin, and his only worry was pleasing his dear family. The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at United Methodist Homes - Hilltop Campus JGJ for the outstanding loving care they gave to Bob during his stay there. Friends wishing to express their sympathies will be greeted on Saturday, January 29 from 10AM - 12PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 709 Main Street, Vestal, NY 13850. A memorial service will commence at noon followed by interment at Vestal Park & Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church (Vestal) or Lutheran World Relief, 1333 South Kirkwood, St. Louis, MO 63122. Arrangements are with the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, Endicott.