Obituary of Robert Bruce Leith

Family and friends were saddened by the death of Robert Bruce Leith, who passed away peacefully the morning of April 16 at the VA hospital in East Orange. He was 72 years old. Robert was born in Morristown and raised in Denville, where he attended public school and worked as a caddy at the Rockaway River Country Club. He played varsity hockey at Morris Hills High School, where he graduated in 1961. He briefly attended the University of Kentucky before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963. In 1966, Robert saw combat in Vietnam, recalling that he, and others from his Marine Corps unit, were ordered to the Da Nang port to perform as cargo handlers during the strike by Buddhist dockworkers. On May 7, 2012, waiting 45 years after his discharge, Robert participated in an award ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He received The Governor's Distinguished Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. After his return from Vietnam, Robert was employed as a carpenter and roofer. He was married to Georgean Ellen Day in 1970 and they had one daughter, Robin, who resides in Boulder, CO., with Robert's granddaughter, Bryn. Robert is also survived by three brothers: James of Titusville, FL.; John of Woodstock, NY; and Rod of Rutherford, NJ. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Nora Ruth; and his parents, James and Wilda Elizabeth Leith. A Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, June 20th, at 11:00 am at Denville Cemetery, Savage Road, Denville.