Robert H. Leighton Jr.

1950 - 2017

Robert H. Leighton Jr.
Loving husband, father, brother,

uncle and true friend

LOWELL -- Robert H. Leighton Jr., 52, a resident of the Belvidere section of the City and a member of a well-known Lowell family, passed away peacefully after an 11 month courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of Margaret (Downing) Leighton, with whom he would have celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on September 29, 2017.

Bob was a remarkable person who chose to embrace life when he was first diagnosed a little under a year ago. His positive attitude, infectious smile and joy for life carried his family and friends on a most incredible journey where all were welcome to be a part of it. To the very end, he fought the disease with passion, grace and dignity. Bob truly was an inspiration to all and will be deeply missed by those who had the pleasure to know him.

He was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, September 4, 1964, a son of the late Robert H. and the late Violet (Rigoli) Leighton and was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Bob attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Austin Preparatory High School in 1982. He went on to attend Boston College where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Business Management from the Carroll School of Management, Class of 1986.

A Certified Insurance Counselor for over 25 years, Bob began his career working with his father at Norcross and Leighton, Inc. where he served first, as an operations manager, then Vice President and Treasurer and finally as President and Owner.

After Bob sold the business, he remained in the Insurance industry for many years and prior to his retirement, he served as Assistant Vice President of Insurance Operations and IT for several years with Salem Five Insurance Services, LLC.

The combination of Bob's advanced computer skills, business training and insurance background made him a highly regarded specialist in integrating insurance with computer programing. He also maintained his Licenses in Massachusetts for both Property and Casualty as well as Life, Accident and Health.

Bob was very active and generous in the community as a member and leader of several charitable, civic, health and business organizations. A longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Girls Incorporated, and the House of Hope, he was a proud Trustee and Corporator at Lowell General Hospital for many years.

He also served over the years with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lowell Office of Cultural Affairs and the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce.

However, Bob's success was not limited to his professional accomplishments. At his heart, Bob was a people person who was kind, generous and thoughtful.

His greatest joy was being with his family and friends, entertaining those he loved, spending time at Seabrook Beach, or on his boat, the "No Fault". He was a loyal and true friend.

Besides his wife Margaret, Bob is survived by his pride and joy, his three sons, whom he loved dearly and was very proud of: Andrew R. Leighton, David M. Leighton and Matthew D. Leighton all of Lowell; his brother Douglas H. Leighton and his wife Ilana of Boston; his sister Beth Britt of Yarmouth, MA; two dear brothers-in- laws Timothy F. Downing and his wife Lynn of Sammamish, WA and Edward A. Downing and his wife Jacqueline of Wakefield; many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and dear friends.

LEIGHTON -- In Lowell, June 25, 2017, at Lowell General, Robert H. Leighton Jr., of Lowell, beloved husband of Margaret (Downing) Leighton. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST., at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M., Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 11 o'clock. Committal Services to follow at the Lowell Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center, c/o Philanthropy Office, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell, MA 01854 or the House of Hope, 812 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA 01854. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell Jr. (978) 458-8768.