Robert Bruce Liepold

Robert Bruce Liepold, of Kansas City, Missouri, beloved father of John Robert Liepold (New York City) and loving husband of Louise Ammatelli Liepold, died peacefully at Kansas City Hospice on November 16, 2020,​ ​just weeks after celebrating his 95th birthday.
Bob was born in Chicago in 1925 to Albin and Jeannette Hussander Liepold; he was predeceased by his siblings Janice and Richard. Bob graduated from New Trier High School and he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and he served as a naval officer during World War II and the Korean War. Bob’s seven-decade career in the telecommunications industry included executive roles at Automatic Electric/GTE, United Telecommunications/Sprint, Com-21, and Golden Sky Systems, and he was the founding President of KCWE-TV.
Bob was blessed to have two great loves in his life. He married Mary Jane Gerrity (MJ) in 1964 at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral, and John was born a year later. After MJ’s passing in 2003, Bob later met Louise Ammatelli. Bob and Louise were married in 2007 at Visitation Catholic Church in Kansas City. Together they shared common interests, friends, an appreciation of the arts, and travel adventures. Bob loved being a part of Louise’s family, and was a special “Grandpa Bob” to all of her grandchildren.
Bob was a man of strong, silent faith. A longtime member and Minister of the Eucharist at Visitation Parish, he was also active with Catholic Charities and Christmas in July, and he was a Knight of Malta.
Bob also served in vital leadership roles with many arts and community organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Chorale, and the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music. A founding resident of Kirkwood, he served several terms as Board President, and was admired for the efficiency and brevity of his board meetings!
As a Muskie fisherman, Bob made an annual October pilgrimage with dear friends to Wisconsin’s North Woods for more than 50 years. He was also an avid sailor, competing several times in the Mackinac Race on Lake Michigan, and he was an active member of the Chicago and Naples Yacht Clubs.
Robert Bruce Liepold was a gentleman in every sense of the word, a sterling example of a life exceedingly well lived. May Bob’s steadfast temperament, strong moral character, clear thinking, and extraordinary generosity continue to inspire us and live through us.
We are immensely grateful to the Kansas City Hospice nurses and healthcare team, who lovingly cared for Bob in his last two years. The current pandemic necessitated a private family funeral. When conditions improve, we hope to be able to celebrate Bob’s life in a larger gathering of friends and family. We continue to celebrate him every day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Bishop Sullivan Center, Kansas City Hospice, or one of the arts and community organizations listed above. We love you, Bob.
Bishop Sullivan Center
6435 Truman Road, Kansas City, Mo 64126 / ​www.bishopsullivan.org​ (cont on p. 2)

Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care
1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Ste 200, Kansas City, Mo 64114 /​www.kchospice.org