..family in Tewksbury, Age 83
VENICE, CA – Robert George “Bob” Kelm, age 83, a former resident of Billerica, died unexpectedly December 2, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. He was on his semi-weekly walk from Venice to Santa Monica with his close friend, Robert Portillo, when he suffered an apparent heart attack. Bob was born in Somerville on April 28, 1931, the son of the late Robert G. and Rose (Leal) Kelm. He was raised in the Pinehurst section of Billerica and graduated from Howe High School, now Billerica Memorial, with the Class of 1949. When he was in his teens, he formed the Pinehurst Junior Recreation Club, which involved himself and his friends in putting on plays and entertainments to raise money for civic endeavors. This later evolved into the Pinehurst Civic Association. He served as president as they initiated and were the force behind having many streets accepted and named and all Pinehurst home lots numbered in preparation for mail house-to-house delivery, which was later achieved through their efforts.
During this time he worked at the State House in Boston and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he attended M.I.T. and has been an active member of the M.I.T. Alumnus Association ever since. Bob was proud to be a charter member of the Billerica Knights of Columbus. He also maintained membership in the Marines Memorial Association and the F.A.A. Retirement Association, and Howe High School Alumni Association. He worked until retirement in management at the Los Angeles sector of the Federal Aviation Agency. He made his home in his beloved Venice, CA. In Venice he served as Membership Chairman of the Presidents’ Row Neighborhood Association and held membership in Town Hall Los Angeles Group and L.A County Museum of Art Association, as well as L.C. Road Runners Walking Club and several other groups.
Bob was loving, humorous and upbeat and was always respected for his broad knowledge of many subjects. He was a pianist and loved gardening, cooking and thoroughly enjoyed world travel. He often traveled to Brazil and Australia, where he had many friends.
Bob leaves his beloved sister and brother-in-law, Virginia R. Stowell and her husband, Walter L. Stowell of Tewksbury, four nephews: Lawrence Azevedo and his wife Sotara of Lowell, Warren Azevedo and his wife Robin of Hudson, NH, Brian Azevedo and his wife Gloria of Corona, CA and David Azevedo of New Orleans, LA; three grandnephews: Robert, Roderick and Ryan and a grandniece, Melissa Azevedo. He also leaves many friends (all over the world), especially Robert Portillo and his wife Kathy of Venice, CA and his loving neighbors. He will also be missed by his cousins Rick and Jane Kelm and his “grandnephew” Chris Kelm of Florida and old-time Billerica friends, some living many miles away.
A memorial gathering was held at his neighbors Richard and Diana Spurlin’s home in Venice for neighbors, relatives and friends in the Venice area on Dec.13, 2014.
Memorial visiting hours will be January 10, 2014 at 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. in the Tewksbury Funeral Home, corner of 1 Dewey and 975 Main Sts. (Rte. 38), Tewksbury Center, Ph. (800 in MA or 978-851-2950). A Memorial Prayer Service will follow at 11:30 in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 75817, Topeka, KS 66675, or visit WWW.WOUNDEDWARRIORSPROJECT.ORG see TEWKSBURYFUNERALHOME.COM