In Loving Memory of Robert A. Lehto

Robert A. Lehto, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in Warren, Michigan. He was born on June 13, 1940, in Quincy, Massachusetts, to Charles and Alice (née Carroll) Lehto, the fourth of eight children in a close-knit family.

Bob graduated from Boston Technical High School on the south side of Boston in 1959. Shortly after, on July 14, 1959, he proudly joined the United States Air Force. During his service, he became a civil engineer, later specializing in heating and cooling. He reenlisted in July of 1963 and went on to earn the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Armed Forces Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and recognition for serving during a national emergency. He was stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which ultimately led him to make Michigan his home. During his time there he was assigned to Indian Mountain Air Force Station in Alaska—an experience he absolutely loved and spoke of often. Bob was honorably discharged from active duty in July of 1967, while staying in the reserves until October of 1974. He remained deeply proud of his service and his country throughout his life.

Following his military service, Bob continued his career in heating and cooling as an HVAC technician. He became a member of Teamsters Local 243 and began working for Sears, Roebuck, & Co. on September 6, 1967. Ever meticulous, he even saved his first paystub, noting the date of his first day. After more than three decades of dedicated work, he happily retired in 1999.

Retirement never slowed Bob down. He was always busy, happily putzing around and working on various projects. He could never sit still and always found something that needed fixing or improving. Bob was an active member of the local AMVETS Post 14, American Legion, VFW, PLAV, and Knights of Columbus. In the evenings, he enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and on Sundays, football. He loved completing crossword puzzles and took great pride in his gardening, tending both vegetables and flowers, especially the rose bushes he planted and nurtured along the side of his house.

Bob also enjoyed time at the casino, particularly playing the slot machines, and loved traveling—most often up north to Higgins Lake or Rose City, or back home to Boston, a place that always held a special place in his heart.

Robert A. Lehto will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of learning and problem-solving, his pride in service, and his quiet dedication to the things and people he cared about. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Bob is survived by his children, Angela (Kristopher) Krug, Anthony (Michelle) Lehto, Liane Howey; daughter-in-law, Michele Lehto; grandchildren, Scott Krug, Sydney Krug, Trystin, Nathan (Hailey) Bruner, Joseph Lehto, Joshua Lehto, Natalie, and Connor; great grandchildren Bishop, and Emerson-Celeste; siblings, Alice (Henry) McGibbon, Carol (the late Hugh) McLaughlin, John (Marilyn) Lehto, and Ali, and sister-in-law, Janice Puchalski. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alice Lehto; former spouse, Priscilla; son Jason Lehto; and siblings, Shirley Scheidler, Charles Lehto, and Charlene Lehto.

Visitation for Bob will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, located at 25800 Harper Avenue, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.

Funeral Service for Bob will take place at 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026, also at the funeral home.

Bob will be laid to rest on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 am at Great Lakes National Cemetery, located in Holly, Michigan. Military Honors will be rendered at the time of burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to AMVETS or any other Veteran’s charity in Bob’s honor.