Robert Leon
Aug. 15, 1928-April 8, 2026
Palo Alto, California

Robert Leon passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 8, 2026. He was 97.

“Mr. Leon,” as he became known to so many, was born August 15, 1928, in Rye, New York. He met his future wife, Isabelle, when they were teenagers working at a summer camp in the Pocono Mountains. They were married for 74 years. After Robert graduated from NYU, they moved to California where he received a Master’s Degree in Education from UC Berkeley and served in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord Army base. He began his teaching career in the Central Valley before moving to Palo Alto. In Palo Alto, he taught English at Cubberley High School, where he was very popular amongst students and teachers both, and where he served a term as faculty President. He was subsequently Vice Principal at Terman and Wilbur Jr High Schools, and later at Palo Alto High School. “Mr. Leon” was known as an advocate for marginalized and struggling students, and he received many letters of thanks over the years, some being sent decades after he had assisted a student, thanking him for the help that proved pivotal to their lives. After his retirement, he could be found helping Isabelle run The Paper Chase, a fine paper store in Menlo Park, or taking care of his grandchildren and attending their many sports events and music performances. Robert had a lifelong love of tennis and played doubles tennis weekly for over 50 years. His other loves included books, classical and jazz music, film, camping and most important to him, his treasured family. He was beloved “Uncle Bob” to many nieces and nephews, providing them with life advice and guidance, as he did for so many Palo Alto students. Robert leaves behind his adored wife Isabelle, his daughters Rebecca and Deborah, their husbands and children, and many extended family members and friends. He will be forever missed and held in our hearts.

Tags: teacher/educator, business