Robert D. Leytze

ROBERT “BOB” LEYTZE, age 93, of Troy, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2020 at his home. He was born on July 18, 1927 in Cincinnati, OH to the late Carl G. and Louise (Knabe) Leytze.

Robert is survived by his adoring wife of 66 years: Mable (Montgomery); three children: Robin (Cisler) of Highland Heights, KY, Kathryn and Thomas Knueven of Hamilton, OH, David and Susan Leytze of Columbus, OH; one sister in-law: Della (Howard) Leytze of Cincinnati, OH; three grandchildren: Tom Cisler of Ft. Wayne, IN, Robert and Marie Knueven of Cincinnati, OH; one great grandchild: Evan Cisler; and numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Carl G. Leytze, Jr., Ruth L. Story, Howard R. Leytze and his sister in-law Vergie (Carl, Jr.) Leytze. Robert was a 1945 graduate of Cincinnati’s (Clifton) Hughes High School and spent three years studying engineering at the University of Cincinnati. 

Robert began his career as a tool and die apprentice at Cincinnati’s American Can Company in 1945. He moved to Cleveland Automatic Machine Company in 1947 as a machine and tool designer and estimator, and then to General Electric in 1951, where he graduated the GE Company Manufacturing Training Program to labor as a manufacturing engineer, general foreman and eventually unit manager. 

Robert brought his family to Troy in 1960 to begin a distinguished career with Hobart Corporation. Starting as Hobart Corp’s first industrial engineer, he was soon escalated into the managerial ranks to eventually rise to Vice-President of Commercial Equipment. He weathered the hostile takeover attempt by Canadian Pacific Enterprises in 1981 and assisted the company’s transition to new buyers Dart & Kraft. Robert retired in 1988 as Vice-President of Operations from Illinois Tool Works, which purchased Hobart not long before his retirement. During his tenure at Hobart, Robert actively participated in several professional organizations, including serving as National Director of the Methods Time Measurement Association (MTM) and maintaining membership in the Industrial Management Society, the American Defense Preparedness Association, and American Institute of Industrial Engineers. 

Robert was a member of Troy’s First United Church of Christ since 1962, serving in numerous roles, including church council moderator. He was a member of the Troy and Greenville Chambers of Commerce throughout the 1970s and a member and trustee of the Troy Jaycees from 1961-63. He also served in support of local Parent Teacher Associations as President at Heywood School in 1965 and Vice-President of Troy All-City from 1965-67. 

He was an avid boater and watercraft enthusiast. In his retirement, Robert joined the Maritime Modelers’ Club of Greater Cincinnati where he developed his passion for detailed work in the building of museum-quality ship models, hand making every piece and part and coloring and fitting them with exactness. His repertoire extends from World War era warships to Ohio River tugs, sea-going fishing boats and luxury yachts. Ever the builder, his home and those of his children were labors of love in which he was always painting, crafting, adding or in some manner improving to make life more enjoyable. He kept vegetable gardens many years and enjoyed tending to the numerous plants, flowers and shrubs that adorn his home. In all he did, he was a tireless worker. 

Robert loved travel, especially to seashore destinations. He and Mable drove their automobile to every destination, visiting nearly every of the contiguous 48 states and always taking time to get off the beaten path to search out obscure points of interest such as little-known shipping museums and seaside towns, restaurants and accommodations. 

One of Robert’s greatest joys of his later life was becoming a Freemason. He was a member of Troy’s Franklin Lodge #14, F.&A.M. and of York Rite bodies Franklin Chapter #24, R.A.M., Franklin Council #14, R.&S.M., and Coleman Commandery #17, K.T., in which he was distinguished as a Meritorious Service Awardee. He was also a 32º member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton and a member of Dayton’s Antioch Shrine. He loved attending meetings and events as one of Troy’s most active Masons and will be sorely missed by the brethren of the fraternity. 

A private family funeral service will be held at the First United Church of Christ in Troy. Masonic services will be held prior to the service. Masons wishing to attend are the emergent meeting, please enter the church by the Canal Street entrance and gathering in the parlor area. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the First United Church of Christ, 120 South Market Street, Troy, OH 45373. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.