Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Lesko Obituary
Robert J. Lesko, 75, passed away in Reading Hospital and Medical Center on May 5, 2013.
He was born on December 13, 1937, in Morea Colliery, a suburb of Mahanoy City, PA. He was a son of the late Mary (Stesko) and John Lesko. He was the beloved husband of Anne (Galvin) Lesko, celebrating 52 years of marriage.
Robert was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, the Oley Valley School District and Oley Valley Community.
He graduated from Mahanoy Township High School in 1955. He attended Colorado A&M University. He earned a BS in education from Bloomsburg University, Master's Degree from Kutztown University, and Superintendent's Letter from Temple University.
Robert had a 36-year career with the Oley Valley School District. He was a teacher from 1959-1969, a Middle School Principal from 1969-1974, Assistant Superintendent from 1974-1984, and Superintendent from 1984-1995.
After retirement, Robert substituted at Berks County Intermediate Unit. He was Acting Superintendent at Daniel Boone School District and served the Oley Valley School District whenever called on.
He was a member of Pennsylvania Assoc. of School Retirees Boyertown/Oley Valley Retired Teachers, serving as president and vice president. He served as president of the Oley Valley Heritage Assoc. He enjoyed serving the Oley Valley Fair as vice president and being a member for many years. He served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Welfare as a member of the Hamburg Center Board of Trustees. He was actively involved with the Oley Valley School District Alumni Honor Roll. He proudly received the Oley Valley School District Alumni Hall of Fame Award in October 2012.
He was a devoted member of Holy Guardian Angels Parish. Over the years, Robert was a supporter of Boy Scouting and many other youth activities.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Robert J., husband of Lillian (Ponce) Lesko, Fleetwood, and Marcey, wife of Karl Harman, Mt. Penn. Other survivors include his grandchildren: Matthew Lesko, Astoria, NY, Daniel Lesko, a student at Ithaca College, NY, Kaley and Grace Harman, at home. Additional survivors include his brother, John Lesko, and sister-in-law, Kathy Lesko, West Chester, PA; brother-in-law, Martin Galvin, and sister-in-law, Karen, wife of Patrick John, all of Mahanoy City, PA. Bob will also be sadly missed by his niece, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, at 10 a.m. in Holy Guardian Angels Church, 3121 Kutztown Rd, Reading, PA 19605. A visitation will be held in the church from 9 to 10 a.m. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bob to the Oley Valley Education Foundation, 17 Jefferson St., Oley, PA 19547. Online condolences may be recorded at www.blankenbillerfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lesko
Rebecca Allen
May 21, 2013
I am very saddened on hearing of the passing of Mr Lesko. He was the princible of my middle school and with out his guidence and incourgment I would not be the person I am today. Thank you Mr Lesko rest in peace
Deb (Keller) Meyer
May 14, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the Lesko family. Hold onto all your memories, they will help you through this difficult time! OVHS - 1974
Kyle Chelius
May 11, 2013
I was in Boy Scout Troop 194 with Bob Jr. (In fact, we shared a tent at Philmont.) I remember Mr. Lesko going on many of our trips with us. Now, I'm involved with Scouting as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Order of the Arrow, and as a District Committee Chair and it's only now that I realize all of the work that went on behind the scenes in the Troop and how much I owe Mr. Lesko and the other leaders. I only wish I had been able to thank Mr. Lesko in person. My thoughts are with you Mrs. Lesko, Bob and Marcey and your families.
May 10, 2013
Mr. Lesko was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed not only by the Oley Valley Community but by many who had contact with him throughout the years. As former students of Oley Valley I know he did have a positive role in both of our lives. Words cannot describe his amazing dedication to the entire Oley Valley. Our prayers go out to his family, (Fay Miller)
Fay and Steve Rothenberger
Donald Himmelreich
May 10, 2013
He taught us about the world and was an inspiration to me. He will be missed but can now travel with God.
Linda (Borell) Gougler, Class '67
May 10, 2013
So very sorry to read of the loss of a great teacher and class mentor. He was a smiling face in the morning and at the end of the day. His patience was to be admired. Peace to you Mr Lesko.
Chris and Doris Ortyl
May 10, 2013
Bob, Lil, and extended Lesko family:
We are saddened by your loss. Our sincere condolences during this difficult time.
Cindy Landis
May 9, 2013
Mr Lesko will always be remembered as a huge part of OVHS. Blessings to his family...he will be missed by all of those that he touched.
Cindy (Hagge) Landis
Class of '88
Gil Menegus
May 9, 2013
Bob and Ann Marie and two of their traveling companions visited with us in San Francisco a few years back. Everyone was so game going for a sail on the Bay-heeling over and sailing through "the slot". Bob was a real trouper that day! We got see Bob several times recently and we were happy to spend that time talking about and enjoying family. His sudden departure has left a whole in our hearts. Cousin Gil and wife Elly
Jolene Moser
May 9, 2013
To the Lesko Family:
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Lesko by my side guiding me through middle and high school at Oley. He had a wonderful smile, kind heart and gentle spirit. May our fond memories carry us through until we all meet again . . . Jolene Yaklowich - Class of 1978
May 9, 2013
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the Lesko family. Mr. Lesko was a teacher, then principal during our middle school years. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. Bob was also a wonderful friend and neighbor to my parents and was always very kind to my mother during her years as a teacher at Oley. The community of Oley and the school have lost a treasured friend.
Harold & Anne (Hughes) Guinther
Sandy&Doug Loy
May 9, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
DAVE GREELY
May 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bonnie Brown RN
May 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.Bob's gentle spirit will truly be missed. He was so kind to all the special needs students at Oley and he knew them all by name.
Huber family
May 9, 2013
Bob,
Please accept our sympathy and know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Cheryl Kline-Manella
May 9, 2013
My condolences to the Lesko family. I have only fond memories of this wonderful man, whether throughout my school career or with community projects. My thoughts are with you always... '85
Karen (Freeman) Hoffert
May 8, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the entire Lesko family. As a former student of OVHS, I remember Mr Lesko as middle school principal. I always had deep respect for him. He always made time to say Hello and talk to the students. May you find comfort in knowing that alot of thoughts are with your family.
terry haas
May 8, 2013
this candle is for bob so he can find his way to heaven and be with god and jesus. from the class of 1970
Tammy (Kemmerer) Babinchak
May 8, 2013
Condolences to the Lesko family, I will always remember Mr. Lesko's smiling face at the fair. He touched the lives of so many students and this one is very grateful. He is missed.
May 8, 2013
Thank you for everything Mr. Lesko..
Class of 1971
Alice Bortz
May 8, 2013
Mrs Lesko and all of your extended family: It's so hard to imagine living life without your beloved Bob. He will always be a magnificent man in the eyes of many. Being an Oley Valley graduate and living in the area all my life my husband and I know how many lives "Bob" has touched and made different because of who he is. Memories of him and all his accomplishments, including being such a wonderful, caring person all around will last forever. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Ronnie and Alice Bortz
Please accept our apologizes for not being able to attend the memorial. we will be there in spirit. Thank you.
Walter & Trudy Prutzman (Grad. of 76 & 79)
May 8, 2013
Our sincere sympathy and prayers go to the entire Lesko family. As former students at OVHS we remember him as the Middle School Principal and Superintendent. We have always had the greatest respect for Mr. Lesko. He would always say hello and would talk to you when he saw you. He was a well respected man throughout the community and he will be missed by many.
Pam ( Schittler) Routhier
May 8, 2013
Mr Lesko was always there when you needed him he was a great inspiration. Rest In Peace
May 8, 2013
I remember Mr Lesko as being on of my teachers seems like a long time ago. He was a kind man who always seemed to smile and say hello. He will be missed by everyone in Oley.
Dolores (Endy) Hagge class of "65
Bob Troxel
May 8, 2013
Mr Lesko will be greatly missed. He was an inspiration and mentor to me as I became interested in hiatory and becoming a teacher. He was always kind and friendly. It was an added pleasure to work with him again in the BCASR. We will miss you. Bob Troxel class of 66
Anita (Barth) Rehner
May 8, 2013
Mr. Lesko was such a kind, quiet man. He was Middle School Principal for all my middle school years. He was very well respected by the children, even though we were at that "challenge authority" age. My fond memories and best wishes go out to his family. May time diminish your sadness and bring your memories into clearer focus.
Mary Lou Parry
May 8, 2013
Mr. Lesko will always be a hero to me. As a young teacher in the Oley Valley he was such a positive influence on me. He always had good things to say to you and made you feel that you were an important part of the school district . He also made you aware of how important you as a teacher could and should be a active participant in the community.His smile and his wonderful attitude will be missed by all who work or live in the Oley Valley.
Ginny (Meck) Wetzel Class of "66
May 8, 2013
To the Lesko Family,
Only fond memories do I have of Mr Lesko, He was just beginning his teaching career when I was his student, However folowing his path over the years, He was a great inspiration to the Oley School District as well as the community. May God be your strength and guide at this difficult time of loss in your life. My prayers are with you, God Bless~~
Barry Angstadt
May 8, 2013
I was fortunate to know Mr. Leako (later, when I worked for OVSD, we referred to him as "Chief") as a MS Principal, then Asst. Superintendent, and finally as Superintendent of OVSD. As MS students, we were intimidated by him. But we respected him. As an employee, that respect grew and the intimidation became a memory of days gone by. His passion for the school district and community was always very evident, and it only increased the respect I had for him. Great man, and I'll always remember the positive influence he had on me. Rest in Peace, Chief.
May 7, 2013
Mr Lesko you are going to be missed! You have gone through so much in a short period, your wife by your side everyday. It was a pleasure getting to know you. Now you rest painfree, you deserve it. My condolences to the family. Your Friends on TBI at the Post Acute Rehab.
Crystal Salata
May 7, 2013
Such a good man I remember him from Oley where I was a student WAY back...I always liked him he was good people..
Hilary Notario
May 7, 2013
Mr. Lesko was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed. As a former student of Oley Valley, I must say this man played a positive role in my life. My condolences to the his entire family. RIP Mr. Lesko.
Jennifer & Dusty Stitzer
May 7, 2013
Bob,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. We are saddened by your loss.
Jessica Bowers
May 7, 2013
Mr.Lesko was such a wonderful man. He was always so nice to me when I went to Oley.Lillian, I'm sorry to hear of your,you have always spoken nothing but kind words about your father in law. Mrs Harman,I can see you fathers kindness in you.You were always so kind to my daughter when she was in your 2nd grade class.My thoughts and prayers to all of your family.
Lisa Sutter
May 7, 2013
Oley has suffered a great loss. R.I.P Mr.Lesko, thoughts and prayers going out to the family.
May 7, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to the entire Lesko family. As former students at OVHS, neighbors and having him as a superintendent, we have always had the greatest respect for Mr. Lesko. He was such a kind and trustworthy man. We will miss him.
Mark and Alisa Brumbach
Class of 82 & 84
Joe Guidotto
May 7, 2013
Bob and Lilian, Your dad was a kind and well respected man. He was a great influence on many people. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace, Mr. Lesko.
Juli Bertin
May 7, 2013
We were blessed to have him as a force of good in our community. My sincere condolences.
Juli Seidel Bertin
Class of 1986
George F Weida
May 7, 2013
I will always fondly remember him as one of the chaperones on the German Trip my wife and I went on where we teased about eating squirrel brains . He will be missed in the Oley Valley.
May 7, 2013
Thank you sir! For everything you did ... Class of 93
May 7, 2013
??Bob and Lillian, very sorry for the loss of your Dad and Father-in-law. Hoping sadness leads to some laughs and smiles.
Glenn Hoffman
May 7, 2013
My mother always enjoyed talking to her ''boss'' at school when she was in charge of the school kitchens(Grace Hoffman).....i always had total respect for Mr Lesko as a graduate of OLHS CLass of 1971...May you rest in peace...
May 7, 2013
Bob will be missed by all of us. He was my teacher,then co-worker and always our friend. We will miss him but remember him always. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Mike and Carol Wentzel
Nicole Gottschall
May 7, 2013
Mr. Lesko always commanded respect and yet was kind. What a great man. Oley Valley was blessed to have him.
Christal (Schlegel) Levan
May 7, 2013
Enjoyed very much working for Mr. Lesko as his student secretary. He was a wonderful man for Oley Valley in every possible way. God Bless.
Tim & Roxanne Flynn
May 7, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
May 7, 2013
Nothing but the fondest memories of Mr Lesko. He was a big part of the education of our children. Prayers, Diane and Jim Sikora
May 7, 2013
He was a wonderful man. Amazing dedication to the Oley Valley and to the members of the community. He will be missed by so many. My prayers go out to his family.
Tammy Henry Stofflet
May 7, 2013
Mr. Lesko was the teacher I most admired in my years at Oley. He was always a great teacher who made lessons interesting, but he was also a kind and caring teacher who tried to help if he knew you were having a problem. He will be so missed by so many in Oley, few have done for Oley what he has. Rest In Peace Mr. Lesko.
Betty Price
Eileen Banis
May 7, 2013
Mr. Lesko was a kind and friendly teacher and humanitarian. I always enjoyed seeing him at the Oley Fair. I am sadden ...my deep sympathy to the family. A former student...Eileen Millard
Fr. Christopher M. Zelonis
May 7, 2013
Anne and family, may God's peace come upon you in the coming days and weeks. Bob served his family, his community, and his God with fidelity and joy. What more is there to this great life?
Showing 1 - 51 of 51 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Lesko's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Lesko
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Lesko's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
