Class of 1962
Robert E Leitch
Since Graduation:
After WC, I attended Rutgers University where I earned a PhD in chemistry. While in grad school, I married Diana Dibble ’65. We have a daughter, Melinda, who lives and teaches in Colorado, with her family. We have 2 grandkids, (both of whom have recently won National Geographic Hands-On Explorer Challenges which earned them international travel adventures with NatGeo photographers and scientists).
I worked my whole career with E.I. duPont de Nemours and retired as a Research Fellow and Manager of International Licensing and Technology-Transfer. While with duPont, we lived 5 years in Geneva, Switzerland. Loved international living and travel; which we still do often (55+ countries and still going). Much of our travel has involved “the road less traveled”, including some weird, wonderful (as well as scary) experiences.
In my “music phase” I played bass, guitar, and sang in bluegrass, folk and country bands. I’m still active in local jam sessions.
In retirement, I’ve actively continued my many hobbies/interests; in biking, fishing, gardening, golf, hiking, music, photography (nature, travel, and as member of Delaware Photographic Society), running, shooting (pistol, rifle, shotgun & archery), silversmithing, and skiing and more travel. And, of course, there’s always something new to learn about.
Memories:
- The unforgettable, overwhelming aroma of the Vita Foods pickle vats, wafting over the athletic field during morning phys. ed. classes.
- Kingston Trio’s “Tom Dooley” – played on my clock radio, every morning of my freshman year, at 7 AM. “…hang down your head and die, poor boy!” .
- The dreaded (every) Saturday morning freshman chemistry tests, compliments of Dr. Joe McClain. .
- Spring on campus- what a wonderful time of year (and of life)! .
- The slightly slower style of life in Chestertown (not as remote, small and rural as my “hometown”) but comfortable and memorable. .
- Ready access to fishing, goose and duck hunting, “on the Sho’” .
- Can you believe we kept firearms in our rooms? (And we all lived to tell about it… Actually, there was nothing to tell… times were simpler, then). .
- Water bomb fights in the dorms, as the weather warmed up. .
- The unspoken “advantages” of being a chem. major.. (read, access to grain alcohol). .
- The special “feeling” of Chesapeake Tidewater, Eastern Shore, Maryland history….
Employer: E.I. DuPont de Nemours
Work City & State: Wilmington, DE
Current or Last Work Title: Research Fellow/Manager of International Licensing and Technology
Home City & State: Hockessin, DE
Email: bobeleit@hotmail.com
WC Magazine Appearances
“A Day With the Dinosaurs”, Spring, 2003
Campus Involvement
1962 WC Class Agent/Representative 10+ years.
Class Correspondent
Contact Bob to submit notes to the WC Magazine.
505 Hemlock Drive
Hockessin, DE 19707-9361
Phone: 302-239-7877