Kelley, Robert Francis, on Sunday, February 24, 2008, in Fairfield, Conn., age 77, after a long illness. He was a beloved husband and father.
He leaves his devoted wife of 49 years, Mary Willis Kelley, and his loving children and extended family, Christopher and Ann Kelley of Ft. Drum, NY, Mary Ann and Andrew Carman of Redding CT,, and Elizabeth Kelley and Christopher Sylvester of Alexandria, VA, and his three grandchildren, Conor Carman, Ian Carman, and Ethan Kelley, and other relatives and cherished friends.
Mr. Kelley was an avid nature lover with a keen intellect constantly searching to enrich his love for history, literature, and poetry. Mr. Kelley grew up in East Boston and West Roxbury, Massachusetts, graduating from B.C. High School where he excelled in Track and Field events. Mr. Kelley was a veteran of the Korean War serving with the B Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regt, 25th Infantry Division - the Wolfhounds. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston University and a Master’s Degree in Education. Mr. Kelley received a Direct Commission as a Captain in the Army, serving in Heidelberg, Germany and Fort Monmouth, N.J. After an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as a teacher, principal, school business manager, and as a project scheduling manager on large projects for companies such as Aramco and Boeing. He had a love of travel, and toured throughout the U.S. and many countries for work and pleasure, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia, where he taught himself Malay. Mr. Kelley was an honorable man who will be missed by his family and many friends.
Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday February 28, at 9:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St. West Roxbury at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
617-323-5600