Robert Evan Leib

Robert Evan Leib, Known to his loved ones as Bob, passed away in his home on Thursday morning, May 23, 2024, at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife, Felice; his children Melissa (Brian), Ted (Libby), and Andrew; and his grandchildren Brooks, Oliver, Jonathan, Vivian, and Penny, who affectionately called him Zadie. Born on December 9, 1950, in Los Angeles at Temple Hospital, Bob was a mentor and role model for his younger brothers Sam (Rosalie), Mitch (Stacy), and Dan (Judy). He was an extraordinary athlete and sports fanatic, playing in the 1965 U.S. Western Regional Championship. He played on the University of Wisconsin Hockey team in 1968, donating his front teeth to the sport during practice. He was the first stick boy for the NHL team "The Kings" when they moved to Los Angeles. He was also a lifelong skilled golfer and would custom-build clubs in his basement workshop. He shared his love of sports with his sons, son-in-law, brothers, and grandsons. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he attended law school and became a member of the California and Wisconsin Bar. He received a Master's in Tax Law from Boston University, earning a C.P.A. degree, and went on to become a Global Partner with the worldwide accounting firm Arthur Andersen and Company. His practice focused on professional sports team franchising and stadium financing, which led to the formation of his own firm, The Leib Group. Bob participated in monumental transactions in the MLB (Los Angeles Dodgers), NHL (Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, and Nashville Predators), NBA (Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors), and the creation of the Jackie Robinson Ballpark. His experience and intellect were widely respected and sought by team owners in the US and Europe in both soccer and the entertainment industries. Bob had an analytical and curious mind that transcended bias or mere subjectivity. He was a voracious reader, especially of WWII history and British spy novels. Bob could tell a story like no other, almost all of which were humorous and self-deprecating. He’d tell jokes and laugh so hard in the process that you’d end up laughing harder at him cracking up instead of the joke itself. His long-term memory was remarkable, recalling details from decades past, yet still occasionally misplacing where he parked his car - a quirk that only added to his charm. He absolutely loved music and delighted in niche blues and classic rock like Rory Gallagher and Dire Straits. He loved playing guitar with his sons, as well as collecting and rebuilding obscure Japanese vintage guitars. Bob was happiest when surrounded by family. As a father, one of his remarkable qualities was his sage advice-giving. He possessed an art of offering support and guiding through life's decisions without imposing his solutions. With attentive ears and a non-judgmental demeanor (mostly), he was a steadfast supporter, instilling the belief that no challenge was insurmountable. His warmth extended to his kids’ circle of friends, who found in him a welcoming presence. There were two types of people on this earth: those who loved Bob Leib, and those who didn’t know him. May his memory be a blessing. Bob is also survived by his nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters-in-law, and his mother-in-law, Renee Diamond. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Charlotte Leib; his grandparents, Samuel and Dora Leibowitz and Birdie and Earl Kolen; his first wife, Barbara Jean Hoesly Leib; her parents, Bob and Olga Hoesly; his friend and father-in-law, Leo Diamond; his sister-in-law, Ilene Diamond; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Congregation Sinai, 8223 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point. Interment will follow at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Ave., Brookfield. Donations to the New York City Hope Lodge can be made at https://cancer.org/hopelodgenycdonate . Following burial at Cong Sinai until 4 PM. Tuesday; also Tuesday and Wednesday 6-8 PM at 9704 N Lake Drive, Bayside.

Robert Evan Leib

December 9, 1950 - May 23, 2024