Robert M. Leitch

Robert M. Leitch, 87, a longtime resident of Chicopee, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2019. Bob was born in Holyoke on June 4, 1931, the son of the late Merrill E. and Mae M. (Conway) Leitch, and raised and educated in South Hadley. Following his graduation from South Hadley High School, he proudly served his nation with the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a tank commander stationed in Okinawa. Bob began a career at WWLP – Channel 22 as merchandising manager in 1961, and earned the accolade as “best-producing salesman in the history of WWLP” before his retirement in 1999. Beginning in high school Bob played the drums in bands performing in clubs throughout the area. An avid and proficient golfer, he held the distinction of signing the first membership scorecard at the opening of the Chicopee Country Club some 50 years ago. Over the years he belonged there as well as at the Elmcrest Country Club in East Longmeadow and Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst, achieving a career total of 7 holes-in-one. Bob spent his last 39 years in love with his life companion, Carole J. Hubbard of Chicopee. He is also survived by a daughter, Melissa French of Kent, WA, and a proud and loving extended family including several cousins, among them Linda and Jim Powell of Newbury, NH, and most especially his furry friend, Annie, who loved spending time with Bob and was a true source of comfort. A gathering of family and friends is going to take place on Saturday, March 2, at the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield St., Chicopee from 2 to 5 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner at Collegian Court. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Forestdale Cemetery in Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, 170 Pendexter Ave., Chicopee, MA, 01013. Please visit www.corridanfuneral.com for online condolences.