LECHNER, Robert J.
of Needham, Sept. 16, Age 82, beloved husband of Patricia M. (Mahoney) Lechner for 59 years, passed away peacefully at home on September 16th after a long illness. In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind his 7 children: Marie Tobin and her husband Tim, of Beverly; Nancy French and husband the late Robert French, of Townsend; Amy Conley and her husband Michael, of Milford, NH; David Lechner and his wife Sophanette, of Gaithersburg, MD; Stephen Lechner and his wife Karen, of Temple, NH; John Lechner of Needham; and Tony Lechner and his wife Sara, of South Hadley; 15 cherished grandchildren: Seamus, Hannah, Margaret, Nicholas, Claire, Alexandra, Brendan, Nathan, Christopher, Charlotte, Allison, Katarina, Derek, Liam and Rose.
Bob also leaves behind his sister Rita Moore, of Lebanon, PA; his brother Paul Lechner, of El Cajon, CA; and his sister Susan Shwed, of Kirkland, WA, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his brother James Lechner, of Frederick, MD, and his sister Mary Margaret Lechner of Danville, PA.
Born in Danville, PA to Albert J. Lechner and Margaret (Savery) Lechner, Robert graduated a year early from Danville High School. A Westinghouse Scholar, he earned a B.S. and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Melon University, and a PhD. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. After serving two years as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Bob and Pat married and settled in Massachusetts. Bob worked for GTE Sylvania, Honeywell, and C.S. Draper Laboratories before becoming a Professor at Northeastern University. Bob then received his tenure appointment at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, where he taught Computer Science and helped create their Graduate degree programs in Computer Science.
A compassionate man of faith, Bob was a member of St. Bartholomew Parish and the Needham Knights of Columbus. A thoughtful humanitarian, he always considered the comfort of others. Along with teaching, Bob loved spending time with his family and enjoyed the outdoors. He inspired students, co-workers, and everyone who met him with his wisdom and humor. A kind, patient, and generous man who was the heart and soul of his family, Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Homes, 1305 Highland Ave, Needham, Sat. at 9:30AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Bartholomew’s Church, Needham at 10:30AM. Visiting hours Friday 5-8 PM. Interment at St. Mary Cemetary, Needham. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Robert's memory to the Computer Science Department, University of Massachusetts Lowell.