Robert Edward Leigh

With deep love, we remember Robert (Bob) Edward Leigh,73, a resident of Alva, FL, who passed away Saturday April 4, 2026, in Fort Myers, FL. Bob was born on April 15, 1952, in Monticello, NY to parents Warren Leigh and Mary Pirnos, now deceased.

As a child, Bob moved to Long Island, NY with his family and resided on Long Island before moving with his wife and two sons to Garland, TX in 1992 where he lived until retiring to Alva, FL in 2021.

Bob joined the Baldwin Fire Department in Baldwin, NY in 1973. Eventually, Bob rose within the department to the rank of Captain before serving as the Chief of the Baldwin Fire Department in 1985. This was certainly the career Bob took the most pride in as it was his true passion and calling. Bob or “Bobby” as he was known to his friends in the department, loved his fellow firefighters and their families. After leaving the department and moving to Texas, Bob worked in several different industries over the years. Whether it was Texas, Florida, or any other place he visited, Bob always found the local firehouses and made friends with many other firefighters over his years.

Over the course of his life Bob enjoyed getting to try new restaurants, drinking margheritas, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, fishing, sailing/boating, golf, and the Texas A&M Aggies. Of course, his favorite pastime was loving and spending time with his family and friends.

After retiring to Florida, Bob affectionately became known as the “Mayor” by our friends and neighbors in our community, River Hall Country Club in Alva, FL. As they say, “Bob never met a stranger.” No matter who you were, what you did for a living, young or old, once Bob made a connection with you, he was a true and loyal friend. Bob simply knew how to make others feel special about themselves…mostly with humor, but always in his certain and special way.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Bonnijean Leigh; his two children, Ryan Conley (Amanda) of Austin, TX, Tim Leigh (Stephanie) of Lorton, VA, along with his grandson, Landon Conley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions on behalf of Bob be directed to the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas. This organization works to provide support for the families of fallen peace officers and firefighters in North Texas communities. This was an organization Bob believed in and was passionate about. In his later years in Texas, Bob would often help with the organization of their annual golf event to gather sponsors. Donations can be made in Bob’s honor at www.gunsandhosesnorthtx.org

Friends and family are also invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsCurtis.com.

Mullins & Curtis Affordable Funerals and Cremations, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.