Attorney Robert F. Kelley of Andover, MA, died peacefully and surrounded by family on November 30, 2023.
Bob was born in Lawrence, MA on April 26, 1947, the youngest child of Edward T. and Winifred (Taffe) Kelley. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Merrimack College, and Suffolk University Law School. He served six years in the United States Army Reserve and he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant. He married Kathleen (Partridge) Kelley, the love of his life, in 1968.
Bob began his professional career as a teacher in the Lawrence Public Schools while pursuing a law degree. He was then admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in June 1975 and served as an Essex County Indigent Defender from 1975 to 1981. He also served as a member of the City of Lawrence Zoning Board and Lawrence Licensing Board and he practiced law in his Lawrence office for nearly 50 years. He was elected as Northern Essex Register of Deeds in 2006 and served six years in that role. Bob was past President of the Lawrence Bar Association, the Holy Family Hospital Men’s Guild, the Lawrence Rotary Club, and the LANAM Club in Andover. He was a Life Member of the Lawrence Lodge of Elks, Member and legal Counsel of Division 8, Ancient Order of Hibernians, member of Dewey Club of Methuen, and stockholder of the Lawrence British Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Men of Merrimack College, Neighbors in Need and Greater Lawrence Department of Developmental Services.
Bob was the recipient of the Irishman of the Year Award from Division 8 -AOH and was also the recipient of the AOH Division 8 John Fenton Citizenship Award for exemplary public service to his community. Further, he was also named a distinguished Paul Harris Fellow from the Lawrence Rotary Club.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathleen Kelley, and by their four children and their spouses: Kerry Conner and husband Sean, of Greenland, New Hampshire; Shannon Kelley and her husband James Gregoire of Andover; Megan Crowley and her husband Eric of Bradford; and Daniel Kelley and his wife Meghan of Boston. He was a devoted grandfather to Emma, Will and Jack Conner, Lily, Quinn and Benjamin Gregoire, Ella, Maeve and Clare Crowley, and Isla and Cienna Kelley.
Bob was the youngest of five children and is also survived by his sister Ruth Trepanier and her spouse, Joe of Londonderry NH, and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Kelley of Andover. He was predeceased by his brother Edward (Ted) Kelley of South Orange, New Jersey, his sister, Clare Grant, of Gilford, NH, and his brother, Attorney Richard (Rick) Kelley of Andover.
Bob will be remembered by his family and many friends for his sense of humor, willingness to help others, warm smile and gracious personality. He will also be remembered fondly for his love and commitment to family, friends, and clients alike. He was well-respected by his colleagues and the local legal community.
Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 2 to 5 PM. Robert's funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Monday December 4, 2023, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be held in the West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover. For additional information, please visit http://www.burkemagliozzi.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) College Scholarship Fund, payable to Division 8 AOH, PO Box 1407, Lawrence, MA 01842 or to marginalwayfund.org