Obituary: Robert (“Bob”) E. Leeney, 90

MYSTIC, CT - Robert (“Bob”) E. Leeney, longtime resident of Mystic, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2020. Bob was born January 26, 1930, in New Haven, Connecticut, to the late Raymond and Veronica Leeney.

An active and faithful member of Saint Patrick’s Parish since 1963 as a Lecter, teacher, Eucharistic minister, Rite of Christian Instruction of Adults (RCIA) sponsor and spiritual counselor.
Bob graduated from St. Mary’s High School, New Haven, Connecticut. After graduating from high school, Bob attended the seminary before enlisting in the United States Army. Bob served as a corporal during the Korean conflict.

After leaving the Army, he attended the University of Arizona, graduating with a degree in engineering management. He worked for Reynolds Metals in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving back to Connecticut. In 1989 he retired from the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics after 27 years.

Bob loved the sea and sailing, becoming a member of the Ram Island Yacht Club and serving in numerous posts, including as treasurer and as past commodore. He also enjoyed volunteering at Mystic Seaport in the "Gung Ho Squad."

The true calling of his life was service to Christ through his service to others. He supported, participated in and founded numerous charitable organizations in the Mystic area. These included:

• Community Life, Chairman
• Sunshine Soup Kitchen
• Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality (MASH)
• Our Shoreline Community Association (OSCA), Board Member

These charitable activities led and directed by Bob touched the lives of many in the Mystic area in their times of need, delivering food, shelter, and other services.
Bob’s charitable works were recognized in 2005, when he was the recipient of the Jacqueline B. Nixon Community award.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughter, Maggie, grandchildren, Shannon Russell, Dana Cotter, Rachael Cotter, Chloe Oslin and Ellie Oslin, and his great- granddaughter, Emma Russell. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Ann, his brother, Raymond, sister Ann, his son James and his daughter Mary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 32 East Main Street, Mystic, Saturday, February 29th at 10:00 AM. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours for Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Focus on Veterans, P.O. Box 206, Central Village, Connecticut, 06332, or online at https://focusonvet.org/.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to the staff of Fairview in Groton for the exceptional care, comfort and compassion they provided to Bob over the last of year of his life.