Robert R. Leavitt

Robert R. Leavitt, age 92, a long-time resident of Ridgefield, died peacefully in his sleep at Ridgefield Crossings on February 16, 2023.

Born in Dover, New Hampshire, Bob grew up in Durham, New Hampshire where his father worked for the University of New Hampshire. Bob and Loire met and became friends in an economics class at the University of New Hampshire. Bob was an engineering major while Loire was in home economics. While Bob was at UNH, he was in the R.O.T.C. In 1952 Bob went into active duty as a second lieutenant with the Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He was a specialist in radar maintenance. After 25 years in the reserves, Bob retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The couple married in 1954 and moved to Wilmington, Delaware when Bob accepted a job at Dupont Chemicals Experimental Station as a maintenance engineer for buildings. Meanwhile, Loire worked in the Dupont library helping scientists find materials for their research.

While working in Delaware, Bob obtained his first master’s degree in electrical engineering. He then got his second master’s, an MBA at UCONN, and his third master’s in computer science at Pace University. Bob believed you needed to keep up with the times and education was the way to do it.

In 1970 Bob changed jobs and worked for IBM in Port Chester, New York. This move brought the family to their home on Walnut Grove Road. A highlight of Bob’s job with IBM was becoming a faculty member for one year at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. Here Bob taught entrepreneurship, economics, and computer usage.

The Leavitt family was extremely athletic and enjoyed several sports. They loved downhill skiing, both out West and in New England. The Leavitt’s favorite sport, however, was bicycling. They took extensive bicycles trips through nine different countries and have traveled all over the United States through the expertise of the Bike Vermont Company. Bob was also a bicycle leader for the VBT Group, leading bike tours on the Cape, Nantucket, and an island off the coast of Charleston, N.C.

Bob was President of the Friends of the Library as well as head of book sales for several years. He was an active adult leader of Boy Scout Troop 116. He was also President of the Casagmo Condo Association and an active member of Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. He worked on the main entry of church as well as the Yankee Peddler Fair.

He was predeceased by his wife, Loire Warner Leavitt, of 66 years and three children: Katherine Loire Leavitt of Ridgefield; Joy Leavitt Meyers and husband Mark Meyers of La Grange, IL.; William I. Leavitt and wife, Dana Oshiro of Lexington, Ma. Four grandsons; Preston Meyers, Russell Meyers, Cole Oshiro-Leavitt and Clay Oshiro-Leavitt.

You are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. A reception will be held immediately following at The Carriage House on the church grounds at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Ridgefield Library, 472 Main Street, Ridgefield CT and Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street, Ridgefield CT.

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