Robert Francis Lehman

Robert Francis Lehman was born on May 10th, 1938, in Queens, New York to Francis Edward Lehman and Mary Rose Wolff and predeceased by his sisters Eleanor Chumley and Marian Schecter. Robert passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 28th, 2024, in Gainesville, Virginia. Raised by his family on Long Island, Robert was an intellectually curious young man with a passion for photography, the stars and science. He graduated from Long Island University in 1960 and then from Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia in 1964. He joined the Navy from 1965-67, reporting for duty in Iceland with his new bride, Ann. In Iceland, they had the time of their lives’, making lifelong friends and furthering his love of travel and adventure. It was during these years serving in the Navy where he developed his signature “work hard, play hard” mentality. During his Orthopedic residency at Montefiore Medical Center from 1968-1971, Robert and Ann had 2 children, Elizabeth and Chris. This growing family prompted them to embark on their next adventure, a move to the then rural town of Manassas. As a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon in Manassas from 1971 to 2005, he improved the health and lifestyle of tens of thousands of local children and adults. For the first nine years of his practice, Robert worked out of his home, often taking care of patients who stopped in at all times. As his practice grew, he moved his office to Forestwood Lane, where he worked long hours, developed a physical therapy unit, and was so committed to his patients he could be seen shoveling snow during a blizzard so they could still get care. With thousands of surgeries performed, including the first joint replacements in the area, to treating fractures in children and adults, he provided top notch orthopedic care in Manassas. Dr. Bob would often run into thankful patients throughout his daily life including up until his passing. Nothing made Robert prouder than a great result after a complex surgical procedure. In addition to administrative roles for Prince William hospital, he served on numerous local and state medical societies. Additionally, he developed and nurtured a beloved family of employees over his four decades of work; many of whom were still instrumental in his daily life until the end. Robert was first and foremost a kind and loving man who cherished his family. Most of his non-work time involved being with his wife and family. From camping, ski and beach trips he was happiest on a cold snowy day on Cupp Run or on a hot “wish there was more wind” sailing day on the Bay. He genuinely enjoyed these activities himself, but found most pleasure when surrounded by his children, family, and friends on these adventures. Whether crabbing, tree “farming”, or during his daily work routine, Robert had an unwavering energy and passion for accomplishing goals. Robert is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Lehman, his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Gary, his son Chris and his wife Stephanie. He will be missed tremendously by his grandchildren Alexandra and Madeline Kennedy and Andrew and Peter Lehman. We will miss him greatly. Robert’s life will be honored with a Celebration of Life Gathering at the Monastery at the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia 12:15 -2pm on December 21, 2024. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. The Address is: Benedictine Sisters of Virginia 9535 Linton Hall Road Bristow, VA 20136 For those inclined to do so, gifts can be made on behalf of Robert to either of his charitable passions: The US Olympic and Paralympic teams: https://www.usopc.org/one-for-all-the-campaign-for-team-usa And the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org

Robert Francis Lehman

May 10, 1938 - November 28, 2024