Robert (Bob) M. Lea, 88, of Egremont, died the morning of Monday, June 1, at Kimball Farms Assisted Living Center with his loving, devoted wife by his side.
Bob was born Nov. 4, 1931, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Isidore and Rachel Levy. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1949 and attended Union College in Schenectady, New York. After graduating from Union College in 1953, Bob attended Yale University where he obtained his doctorate in physics in 1957.
Bob did research at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island before settling into a long career as a physics professor at the City College of the City University of New York until his retirement in 1992. Bob enjoyed tennis, gardening and sailing. Bob married Vickie K. Lea Aug. 17, 1986, at their home in Egremont.
Besides his wife, Bob is survived by daughter and son-in-law Jennie and Campbell Clegg of Brunswick, Maine; stepdaughter Sabina Curti of Hillsdale, New York; grandchildren Rachel and Zelda Clegg; nieces Melissa Lea of Newton and Cara Lea-Ballard of Forest Hills, New York; nephews Jonathan and Daniel Kusko of Kansas; grandniece Kelsey Lea Hart; grandnephew Spencer Lea Hart; brother Joseph S. Lea of Briarwood, New York; brother- and sister-in-law Bruce and Gaby Kusko of Kansas; dear friends Rachel Brier, Phil Pechukas, Paula Miranda, Gail Zinberg and Atan Minami; and his furry friend, George.
Bob’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the wonderful staff and caregivers at Kimball Farms’ LEP unit for their care and compassion for him, his family and friends during this difficult time; and a special thank you to Dr. Richard Honig; Ave Schwartz, LICSW; Ellen Boshe; and his driver, Ed.
Per Bob’s wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society in care of the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main St., Lenox, MA. 01240. To share memories and stories, visit rochefuneralhome.com.