WORCESTER-Robert F. Kelley, age 78, of 2 Eagle Terrace, died Saturday, April 30, at Knollwood Nursing Center following a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 56 years, Alfreda T. (Sarapas) Kelley; a son, Sean P. Kelley of West Springfield; three daughters, Tara B. Mondino of East Falmouth, Erin A. Stevens of Barre and Nora M. Werme of Douglas; a brother, Frederick R. Kelley, Jr. of Worcester; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A brother, Joseph E. Kelley died in 2001. He was born in Worcester, son of Frederick R. Kelley, Sr. and Margaret (Karpovitch) Kelley. He lived in Paxton from 1967 to 1997, before returning to Worcester.
He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a cryptographer in the South Pacific. He was a graduate of the former Worcester Classical High School. He received an Associate Degree in Engineering from the former Worcester Junior College; a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University and Master’s Degrees from Boston University and from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He completed additional postgraduate studies at the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, Cornell University, Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. His research work included a National Science Foundation funded study involving radiation-induced damage in organic crystals, at Clark University, and a NASA sponsored investigation of the space effects on optical replica gratings, at the College of the Holy Cross.
Mr. Kelley was a Professor Emeritus at Worcester State College, retiring in 1988. His prior teaching experience included the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Public Schools (North High School and the former Chandler Junior High) and Oxford High School. He was a former member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society of America, a life member of the National Science Teachers Association, a life member of and former president of the Massachusetts Association of Science Supervisors. From this association, he received their Massachusetts Outstanding Educator Award in 1976.
Mr. Kelley was a founding member of the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers in 1974. He was their Science Teacher of the year in 1979 and was awarded life membership in 1988. He was active in aerospace education, running many workshops from 1975-1985. He was appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to membership in the Massachusetts Aviation Education Council of the State Education Department and served as chairman for many years. During this period, he received many awards for service to aviation education from the Civil Air Patrol and from the United States Air Force. Mr. Kelley was inducted to the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators in 1992.
He was an avid golfer, was a member and former president of the Whitinsville Golf Club. He was a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and participated in their golf leagues.
For purposes of education, research, and advancement of medical science, he has donated his body to the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 9:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Goddard Memorial Association, POBox 20126, Worcester, MA 01602. CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle Street is directing the arrangements.