Robert Leinbach

Robert S. Leinbach was born in Reading on August 2, 1919, son of Samuel W. and Mary (Albright) Leinbach. A 1937 graduate of Reading High School, he majored in mechanical engineering at Wyomissing Polytech, graduating in 1940.

His career was in the surgical instruments division of Textile Machine Works after its purchase of the Arrow Needle Co.

Among Robert's work accomplishments were developing the prototype for the first self-injecting device, a forerunner of the modern epipen, and a specialized heart catheter for the Penn State artificial heart.

As part of his WWII Army service, he graduated from the 8th Army Automotive Maintenance School and was retained as an instructor.

He also held degrees from University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, Penn State, RACC and Thomas Edison State College (NJ).

After retiring from Arrow, Robert taught through an industry partnership at AT&T for RACC and was named distinguished alumnus in 1995.

His community service was extensive and only a few of his accomplishments are mentioned herein.

His work with PTA culminated in election to vice president of PA District 3 PTA; he served on the Reading/Berks Recreation Council serving as a member of the recreation committee for the 1959 White House Conference on Youth and corresponding secretary of the Reading Parks and Recreation Advisory Council for many years.

He was a long-time treasurer and executive council member of the Reading High Alumni Assn. and treasurer of his ex-apprentice group; he received recognition for his years of public relations work with the Institute for Management Accountants.

Robert was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Assn., active in the Berks Campus Alumni society and Alumni Council, and was named distinguished alumnus. He was treasurer of the Penn State Alumni Society Berks chapter for over 10 years. He was a regular fund raiser for Penn State and his connection with childhood friend, Ruth Freyberger, resulted in funding for the Freyberger Gallery on the Berks Campus.

From 1970-1977, Robert was vice president (2 yrs.) then president (4 yrs.) of the Reading Housing Authority. In 1985, he was elected judge of elections in Reading.

In his younger years, Robert enjoyed golf and was a member of the Reading Country Club; he later was a founder/director of Wodenshire Country Club.

He was predeceased by his wife, Jean; daughter, Lois; brothers, George and Lloyd; and three sisters: Charlotte Giles, Mary Jane Snyder and Pauline Hunsinger.

Surviving are three children: Dr. Carol (Ronald) Hodes of State College, Donald (Susan) of Reading and Philip (Margaret) of Seminole, FL; and four grandchildren: Robyn Weis, Dara Tuteur, Heidi Leinbach Kay and Ben Leinbach, and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Robert Leinbach to the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute Engineering Scholarship at Penn State Berks, Office of Development, P.O. Box 7009, Wyomissing, PA 19610.

Services will be held in Bean Funeral Homes, 3825 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, on Saturday, September 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Fred Opalinski officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive relatives and friends 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.