Robert W. Leibold, Jr. ’72

Robert Waltner Leibold, Jr. died unexpectedly on June 4, 2021 at the age of 68.
Rob was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to Dr. Robert Waltner Leibold Sr. and Mary L. (McCluskey) Leibold on May 10, 1953.
He is survived by his son, Nathaniel Zane Leibold and his daughter, Hannah Claire Leibold and her fiance, Brian. Rob is also survived by his three brothers, Dr. David Leibold (Pam Etchison), Stephen Leibold (Noreen), and Richard Leibold (Charlie). He was surrounded at his passing by his loving children and his brother David.
Rob graduated from Triadelphia High School in Wheeling, WV. He obtained his BA degrees in History from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He also received his Master of Arts in Communication Studies from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
Rob enjoyed an extensive career in Journalism and Communications including 13 years at the San Antonio Express-News, where he was a writer and special editor. He worked for St Mary’s University Law School and Southwest Research Institute as Communications Director. He was well liked and respected by his colleagues and peers. Rob enjoyed many activities including golf, skiing, tennis, reading, political discussions and music, especially the Blues! He loved the beaches of Hilton Head, SC, the mountains of Colorado, and his hometown of Wheeling, WV, to see old friends and rekindle spirits.
As a young man growing up in Wheeling, he frequented the local watering hole and landmark restaurant, Ye Olde Alpha. He was a wrestler for his high school wrestling squad, a diver for the swim/dive team, and an avid skier, honing his skills on local ski hills and Oglebay Park’s ski slope. He moved to Boulder, Colorado, attending the University of Colorado, often skiing A-Basin with friends, seeing his favorite bands play at the Boulder Theater, and frequenting the local businesses on Pearl Street.
He started writing for the business column of the San Antonio Express-News, in 1981, and became a special editor, working for the marketing department as well. Making many friends and lasting memories for over 13 years, he went on to work as a Communications Director for St. Mary’s University after having his children. He started work with Southwest Research Institute as the Senior Communications Specialist/Communications Director in 2007, often citing how rewarding and humbling of a career it was.
He was a caring and loving father to Nathaniel Leibold (b. 1992), and Hannah Leibold (b. 1995). Driving to summer camp together, playing catch, and a source of comfort, he is dearly missed by his loving family. Memorial services in San Antonio were held on November 20, 2021 at Dr. David Leibold’s residence.

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