Northrop & Johnson Remembers Robert D. "Bob" Leslie

Northrop & Johnson is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert D. “Bob” Leslie, a respected broker, mentor and friend. Bob passed away on July 11, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, honesty, professionalism and commitment to earning the trust of his clients and colleagues built over more than 50 years in the industry.

A lifelong sailor and ocean racer, Bob’s love of the water began when he restored an abandoned 10-foot dory at the age of 11. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he served a brief stint in the U.S. Navy before returning to a life on the water. In the early 1980s, he lived aboard his Allied Sea Wind Ketch in Boston Harbor, and also competed in numerous Newport to Bermuda, Marblehead to Halifax and SORC races.

He began his brokerage career in 1971 with Graves Yacht Yard in Marblehead, Massachusetts, and in 1985 purchased Northrop & Johnson’s Massachusetts office, which he managed for 22 years before selling the business in 2007. Bob remained part of the Northrop & Johnson family throughout his career, most recently serving clients from the Newport office, while also helping shape the profession as a former president of the Yacht Architects and Brokers Association (now the Yacht Brokers Association of America). He was named Broker of the Year in 1991 and served on the development team that created the Certified Professional Yacht Broker (CPYB) examination, which became the national standard for the brokerage industry.

“Bob was one of the biggest influences on my decision to join Northrop & Johnson,” reflects Kevin Merrigan, Chairman of Northrop & Johnson. “He treated everyone with respect, conducted business with unwavering integrity, and proved that success comes from earning trust over a lifetime. I will always be grateful for his mentorship and friendship. He represented the very best of Northrop & Johnson and of our industry.”

Bob’s perspective was that a broker’s role was not to sell, but to advise and inform, helping clients make the right decision through honest guidance, thorough research and meaningful information. Those principles earned him lifelong loyal clients and the admiration of colleagues throughout the industry.

In memory of Robert D. “Bob” Leslie (1945–2026), those wishing to honor Bob’s memory may make a contribution to the Robert D. Leslie, Helen and Francis Haran Scholarship at Salem State University. Donations may be made here online or by check payable to the SSU Alumni Association and Foundation and mailed to Salem State University, Advancement Services, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA.