Robert W Lea

Robert W Lea December 25, 1941 - June 16, 2018 Robert (Bob) W. Lea, 76, died on June 16, 2018, from complications resulting from a genetic disorder in his DNA, hemochromatosis. He was born December 25, 1941, in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from St. Joseph's Academy, Titusville, PA. He earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Gannon University, Erie, PA, in 1964. While at Gannon he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He attended the University of Buffalo, NY, for graduate coursework. He completed his ROTC military obligation with an honorable discharge as 1st Lieutenant from the U.S. Army in 1968. Bob was a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in 26 states and a Licensed Asbestos Consultant in the State of Florida. Throughout his engineering career he worked at various firms including Gulf Research Center 1967-1985 which brought him to the Pittsburgh area where he became a loyal Steelers fan and season ticket holder. Moving to Jacksonville, FL, in 1987, Bob became Senior Principal Engineer for Amec Foster Wheeler until his retirement in 2008. He continued to work from home as a consultant until June 8, 2018. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon Forse Lea; daughters, Elizabeth (Kyle) Holsinger and Melissa (Roman) Lea; grandchildren, Morgan and Luke Holsinger. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Ann (Barry) Fitzgerald; and a brother, William G. Lea (Martha). He was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Lea and a brother, Jack (Donna) whom we like to think is shooting hoops with him at this moment. Bob was an avid sports enthusiast, rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Penguins, the Pirates, the Florida Gators, Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indians. He ran in the Jacksonville River Run for 15 years straight, played tennis in 3 different leagues, and 2 basketball leagues. Bob loved animals and leaves behind his Scottish Terrier, Beau, and two elderly cats, Pudd and Obe. A memorial service will be held in the future. Family and friends with be notified. Plans for inurnment are to be in Washington Cross National Cemetery, Newtown, PA. Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32224 (Hemochromatosis Research), or the St. Augustine Wild Reserve, staugustinewildreserve.org