Robert T. Leitch

Mr. Robert T. Leitch, 88, of 109 North Summer St. Adams, died on Sunday, May 20, 2012. He was born in Adams on February 16, 1924, a son of the late Arthur and Helen (Dziok) Leitch. He attended Adams schools, and graduated from the former Adams High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Air Force and received his Navigator's Wings one year later, studying navigation for radar in Oxford, England. He made nine runs through complete cloud coverage during his tour of duty. He was the lead radar navigator-bombardier, and in that position led many types of formations, including the 8th Air Force on one of its 1300 plane raids during World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the European Theater Ribbon with two battle stars. He was Honorably Discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1945. Mr. Leitch worked as a draftsman, and , later, Power Transformer design department manager, at General Electric in Pittsfield, until retiring in 1983. Mr. Leitch also took part in local interests, including serving on the Adams Finance Committee for several years. He enjoyed gardening, dancing, card playing and reading. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, the former Ellen Schwab, whom he married on July 27, 1946; His two sons, Dr. Robert Leitch, and his fianc�e, Patricia Donahue, of Amherst, and James Leitch and his wife, Mary, of Adams; 3 granddaughters, Sushene and her husband, Tom Swenson; Willow Leitch, and Katherine Leitch and her husband, Terrence Kooyker, all of New York City; a brother, Ralph Leitch of Hanson, MA; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Arthur Leitch. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 29th, at 10:00 AM in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams. Rev. Daniel J. Boyle, Pastor of the Parish of Blessed John Paul the Great will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams. Calling hours are Monday, May 28th, from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, or to any charity of the donor's choice, through the funeral home. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.apsfuneralhome.com

Robert T. Leitch

February 16, 1924 - May 20, 2012