Dr. Robert Edward Leber M.D.

Surrounded by his loving family, Robert Edward Leber, MD, (83) passed away peacefully at his home in Tempe, Arizona on Tuesday, September 25th, 2018. Retiring in 2013 at the age of 78, Dr. Leber was a well-respected General Surgeon in the East Valley spanning over a quarter of a century. He is survived by Rosemary, his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, his three children, Karen Leber, MD, Geoffrey (Lauren) Leber, MD, and Robert (Lisa) Leber, Jr. Robert is preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Ann, who died tragically in 1985 at the age of 16. He will be dearly missed by his six admiring grandchildren: Thomas Barranger of Chandler, AZ, Nicholas and Robert Leber, III of Chandler, AZ and Eric, Alexander and Elissa Leber of Wellesley, MA. He will also be deeply missed by his older sister Elaine (Milton) Snegaroff, affectionately known as 'Bud', along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews, and cherished friends.

Robert was born on May 18,1935 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Edward and Marguerite Leber. He graduated from North East High School, where his athletic skills on the tennis court, awarded him a full 4-year scholarship to Temple University, occupying their team's number one position. Following graduation from Temple University, he pursued a career in medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine. It was during his second year of medical school that he met his wife, Rosemary. Bob was known for his quick wit and unique sense of humor. This, coupled with his artistic abilities, led him to become the editor and chief illustrator of his medical school yearbook and later, his United States Navy ship’s yearbook. Following medical school graduation, Robert completed his internship at Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1962, then entered the United States Navy as a Lieutenant, stationed aboard the U.S.S. Maury (A.G.S. 16), serving as the ship's Chief Medical Officer. During his tour of duty, the USS Maury charted and collected hydrographic data on the depths of the Marianna's Trench, the Gulf of Siam, the Andaman Sea, the Straits of Malacca and areas of the Philippines. Those tours were punctuated with missions of mercy as the occasion demanded, during one such rescue mission, he was nearly killed in a helicopter crash.

Upon completing his naval service in 1964, Robert continued his General Surgical training at Presbyterian-University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. He was later awarded a prestigious fellowship in Oncologic Surgery at the Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. Following completion of his surgical training, he joined the private surgical practice of Dr. Thomas Anglem. Robert was a distinguished staff member at the Deaconess Hospital and a valued Clinical Instructor in Surgery at Harvard Medical School. While in Boston, Dr. Leber had the unique privilege of being the official Red Sox Physician when they won the Pennant in 1975.

In 1977, at the age of 42, Robert moved his family west to Arizona for greater opportunity. However, those who knew him would likely say his primary motivation may well have been the prospect of year-round golf. As an avid golfer, he was a longtime member of Mesa Country Club, where he made many lasting friendships, and where the “Annual Leber Invitational” came into being. Robert lived life well; He raised a loving family; Traveled much of the world; Skilled in carpentry, he was an accomplished craftsman; Most weren't aware of is musical talents, as a guitarist and vocalist, Bob and his father performed at local Blues Clubs in downtown Philly during the 1950's; He built a respected, successful and lengthy surgical practice in the East Valley, spanning over 36 years, retiring in 2013 at the age of 78! He will be loved, missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A memorial service and tribute commemorating the life of Dr. Robert E. Leber will be held 6-7pm on Monday, October 1, 2018 at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road; Mesa, AZ 85202.