Westfield – 
Robert A. Greenleaf, 94, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke. He was born in Concord, NH to the late Maurice and Marietta Greenleaf. He lived in Saugus, MA for five years before his family moved to New York. Mr. Greenleaf, of French Canadian decent, had to “learn to speak English overnight”, and attended parochial school in Queens County, later Brooklyn Tech. At the age of 18, Bob joined the United States Navy in August 1940. He was a gunner’s mate and was on the island of Oahu when it was attacked December 7, 1941. He was amongst those who targeted Japanese aircraft firing at American B17’s during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He later was back on his destroyer sailing between Hawaii and San Francisco, as convoy protection and then joined a task force to the South Pacific. Following his discharge in 1943, he then went on to enlist with the Merchant Marines, serving from 1943-1952, traveling to England with aviation fuel, and the African port of Dakar. Upon his discharge, he returned to Massachusetts, settling in Westfield, and in 1962, married his wife, Dorothy (Donovan) Greenleaf of Westfield. They have been married for 55 years and have one son, Robert A. Greenleaf, Jr. with Darnell Giroux of Westfield, he was predeceased by his brother Richard Greenleaf. Bob worked for Savage Arms as a product engineer from 1964-1988. He was involved with gun design and proudly recalls having designed one of the most popular models, the model 110 rifle, which sold over 2 million! He also greatly enjoyed writing articles, reading nonfiction, being involved with forensics, listening to classical music, and enjoyed having taught himself “celestial navigation”. He was a great long-distance runner, and participated in 4 marathons. Bob was an extremely proud Pearl Harbor veteran survivor, one of his marathons having taken place in New York on the anniversary of the bombing. Bob was content and fulfilled, having had a “fun, adventurous life”, with no regrets, and he cherished many fond memories of family, friends, and his love of country. Bob, you will be fondly remembered by all who knew you and whose lives you touched. All services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA 01085. www.firtionadams.com
