Robert Ira Leech, Sr.

Robert Ira Leech, Sr., 73, of Washington, died Thursday, October 23, 2008, in his residence. He was born August 5, 1935, in Washington, a son of Ira White Leech and Margaret Becker Leech. Mr. Leech was a 1953 graduate of Trinity High School and attended Waynesburg College. For 41 years, he was employed at Washington Steel Corporation as a millwright. Since 2003, he had worked as a sales field representative at the Observer-Reporter. Mr. Leech enjoyed the family farm, Century Farm, and the Angus cattle he raised there. He also enjoyed exhibiting his Angus cattle at the Washington County Fair. He was a member of the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association and the Pennsylvania Angus Association, where he had served as a director and as a delegate to the convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Leech was a member of Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church and treasurer of the Upper Buffalo Cemetery Board. On January 19, 1956, he married June Beddow, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Robert I. Leech, Jr. and wife Laury and Thomas L. Leech and wife Deborah, all of Washington; a daughter, Sharon M. Casciola and husband Dean of Burgettstown; a sister, Caroline Jones of Bristol, Virginia; and seven grandchildren, Marissa, Adam, Elisha and Brandon Leech, Chasity (Derek) Hoover, Dean and Aaron Casciola; and one step grandchild, Patrick McCulley. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Noon to 2 p.m., the hour of service, Saturday, October 25, 2008, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastors Judy Mayer and Gary Gibson co-officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301; or to Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, South Buffalo Church Road, Washington PA 15301.