Robert Lloyd Leslie of Bradford passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025 at the age of 98 years. Born in Ebensburg he was the son of the late Mary Rivinius Leslie and John Leon Leslie. Ebensburg is the county seat of Cambria County which was established in 1796 by his predecessors, the Rees Lloyd family.
Robert was raised in Brooklyn, NY and graduated in three years from New York University. While in New York, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Ruppman Leslie, and they married in 1950 in Englewood, NJ. They were an extremely devoted couple and perfect role models for their family. On August 26, 2020, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Eleanor passed away on October 18, 2020.
Robert, Eleanor, and their daughter Alison moved to Bradford in 1960 when Robert accepted a position with Allegheny Electronics Chemical Company. Several years later he was a co-founder of Allegheny Bradford Corporation. The Corporation is located in Lewis Run, employs over 200 individuals, and is recognized world-wide as a leader in providing stainless steel solutions to multiple industries including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, chemical, electronic processing, and others. Due to his enjoyment of his occupation and his strong work ethic, Robert remained on the Corporation’s Board of Directors until his passing.
Robert was extremely proud of serving his county in WWII. While studying at New York University, he joined the United States Army Air Corp, the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army at that time. After serving in the active military he joined the United States Army Reserves and retired after reaching the rank of Major.
Robert was truly a Renaissance man. He was knowledgeable, educated and proficient in a wide range of fields. He loved music, collecting antiques and reading historic and classical literature. Besides being knowledgeable in the arts and sciences, he was well rounded and could fix almost anything. He was well traveled and his personal and business endeavors allowed him to travel extensively throughout the world. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and playing golf at the Penn Hills Club. His favorite time was spent with his adored family. He was strong, kind, intelligent, optimistic, and had a wonderful sense of humor. The family takes consolation in knowing that the family patriarch lived a long, full life and is now at peace together with his beloved wife. His impeccable character continues to serve as a role model for his amazing family who cherish his legacy.
Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Alison and Paul Steates of New Hartford, NY; five grandchildren; Lauren (Wesley) Cupp of Rome, NY; Robert Steates of Merrimack, NH; Andrew (Amy) Steates of New Hartford, NY; Katherine (Edwin “Tucker”) Hamlin of Somerville, MA; and Emily Steates, of New York, NY. He is also survived by four great grandchildren; Leslie Cupp, Ted Cupp, Eleanor Cupp and Sophie Steates.
He was predeceased by his parents, sister Janet Schanck and brother John Leslie.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Burial will be at the Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica, N.Y.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church of Bradford, where Robert was a member, or the McKean County SPCA.
Online condolences can be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.