Contributions to the tribute of Robert M. Leopold

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Friday, March 11, 2022

FROM THE BEACHPOINT FRIDAY'S MEN'S GROUP (as shared with the Leopold family): It is both easy and difficult to eulogize Bob Leopold. Easy, because the same words keep recurring when his many friends describe him: gentleman, brilliant, kind, thoughtful, incisive, witty, tenacious, insightful. Difficult, because he was so much more than these words convey. A complex and unique man, he combined a New York Jewish upbringing with a Southern college education - "a ramblin' wreck from Georgia Tech", where he got his Mechanical Engineering degree (though he neither rambled nor wrecked), as well as a profound grasp of the English language. He was one of those rare individuals who blended a scientific bent with a humanistic outlook - both of them in depth and in breadth. His erudition and insights enriched all of us who had the privilege of his friendship. Some of the characterizations by his friends include "a gentleman and a scholar, in every sense of the word", a person of "great and unusual character" who was "always intellectually curious and questing for the correct point of view with an open mind", as well as with "total integrity" and "boundless intellectual curiosity and keen analytical skills". He was seen as "an inspiration to the lunch and book groups, where what he did for us far exceeded what we did for him". For some he was "one of the most satisfying associations of my life, who taught me much, most particularly to speak facts rather than speculation". And some were fortunate enough to have been "included in many celebrations of family milestones, all conducted with warm hospitality and graciousness". To Renee, Barbara and Susan, we send our heartfelt sympathy, love and gratitude for the privilege of having Bob enrich our lives.

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Roger Phillips posted a condolence

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Bob was a nice man, smart, kind and interested in a wide range of things from investments to poetry. He added a lot to my Larchmont years. Lorelle and I were not close friends of Bob and Renee but when we interacted, as guests at a mutual friend's or with Friends of the Larchmont Library or when taking a walk in Larchmont Woods, where we both lived, it was always interesting and a pleasure. Roger Phillips

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Libby Ladu posted a condolence

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Bob and Renee Leopold were kind of ad hoc parents to me and Ronni's friends during high school and after. They generously hosted us in their Larchmont home for the kind of random, untimed get togethers that teenagers enjoy. Present, but non-invasive, they took interest in all of us while we raided their pantry, messed up the kitchen, stayed up late and slept over without prior notice. We admired and appreciated both of them. Bob was less likely to join in the antics, but his sage advice and support, given freely, to me and others -- all throughout my career -- was respected and treasured. One of the things I loved about him most was his loving and close relationship to Ronni, in whom he saw much of himself, I think, and loved her for that. In fact, his steady and enduring love for each of his daughters and Renee (and his two grand daughters) was enviable. For all his professional success and financial acumen, I respected him most for his role as father and husband. I will miss him!

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