WILMINGTON — Robert “Bob” LeRoy, 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at his home under the care of Lower Cape Fear Hospice. He was born Nov. 4, 1926.
He tried to be strong and independent right to the end. He loved life, the beauty of this earth and his family so much. He always said that he thought heaven was on earth.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II on the U.S.S. Panameta, a tugboat stationed in the Aluetians. He was promoted to a motor machinist mate 3rd class by the captain for his initiative and leadership during crisis.
When he returned home and finished high school, he enrolled at West Virginia University. He took a painting class and became hooked the moment he got his first paints and brushes. He had his first, and the art department’s first, one man show before he graduated. He later earned his master’s degree at New York University.
He had many varied and interesting jobs throughout his life. All were either a job related to art, or one that afforded him time to paint. He worked for commercial art companies as a designer and illustrator in New York City, was an instructor at Famous Artist’s School, owned his own commercial art business, was an art teacher at Suffern High School, where he taught ceramics and art. He designed and painted the stage sets for the drama and music productions. When he retired from teaching, he devoted himself full time to fine arts as well as teaching painting to individuals and groups.
He was a past president of the Wilmington Art Association and enjoyed the many friendships and camaraderie of the members of the association. He was a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists and showed his work through their traveling shows. But most of all, he just loved painting. He had such a strong inner drive to paint, always thinking of what he was painting because everywhere he looked, he saw the play of light and the composition of another painting.
Bob was an authentic, creative and genuine man. He was a master watercolorist, but he also mastered the art of making his family all feel so deeply loved. If you have one of his paintings, please enjoy it because he loved painting it for you.
Bob is survived by his wife, Traci; children, Keith LeRoy, and his wife, Lindsay, and Kyle LeRoy, all of Wilmington N.C.,Rob LeRoy of Boston, Mass., Eric LeRoy, and his wife, Liubov, of Moscow, Russia, and Anne Marie Martin, and her husband, Phillip, of Scarsdale, N.Y. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Danielle LeRoy of Bath, England, Hillary and Christopher Martin of New York, Kollin LeRoy of Leland, N.C., Violet and John Gray LeRoy of Wilmington, N.C., and great-grandson, Xavier LeRoy of Bath, England.
There will be a celebration of life held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 14, at the family home. Please contact the family for directions.
Cremation services were handled by Atlantic Cremation Service.
