Robert J. “Bob” Lesh of Andersonville passed away suddenly Oct. 12 from complications following emergency surgery. He was 51.
Bob leaves behind his loving partner, Brian Cunningham, who was at his side at his passing. Bob is also survived by his brothers Tom and Mike; he was a loving uncle to Theresa (Simon) Duckett, April, Danny, Michael and Nicole Lesh, and great-uncle to Ewan, Roxanne and Ruby.
Besides having a quick wit and wicked sense of humor, Bob dedicated his life to teaching music, and for 23 years taught children in the Chicago Archdiocese’s school system. Bob’s last teaching assignment was at Immaculate Conception/ St. Joseph School. Prior teaching experience in the archdiocese was at Frances Xavier Warde School, Immaculate Heart of Mary and Providence of God School. Prior to becoming an archdiocesan teacher, Bob also taught at other Catholic Schools as an employee of Music on the Move.
Bob was a trained singer, with a B.A. from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and a MFA from the University of Arizona. Bob’s students benefited from his love of music and his performance experience through multiple school musicals he conducted and directed.
Bob and Brian enjoyed many wonderful travels over the past few years, culminating with the Atlantis Baltic cruise this summer.
Services for Bob were held Oct. 18 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and featured Bob’s students singing some of his favorite church music. Bob will be missed by many friends and family, including all the students whose lives he touched over his decades-long teaching career.