Robert J. Kelley

Robert J. "Bob" Kelley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2019. He was 94 years old and lived in Maryland Heights, MO. Devoted husband to Lois A. Kelley (deceased), with whom he celebrated 65 years of marriage and raised nine children; dedicated father (a.k.a. Pop) of Maureen (Ken), Kathy (Jim), Matt (deceased), Jeff, Kevin (Kelly), Mike (Cindy), Tom (Judy), Eileen, and Dan (Mary); dear brother of Nina (Robert) Katan (deceased), Marlene (Chuck) Saelen, Rita (Jim) Wiedman; loving grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of 9. Born in Elgin, IL on March 29, 1924. Bob was oldest of four children of Gordon and Margaret Kelley. He graduated with top honors from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL in 1941 and was awarded a scholarship to St. Procopius College in Lisle, IL. At St. Procopius, he played quarterback on the football team, captained the championship bowling team, was leader and pianist for the orchestra, and was associate editor of the school paper, all while majoring in Chemistry. After completing two years there, he joined the Army and attained the rank of Acting First Sergeant while serving in the Philippine Islands and Japan during and immediately after World War II. Upon his return, he attended St. Louis University and was a member of the SLU Chorus and Glee Club. After earning his Master’s degree in 1948, he began his 40-year teaching career and joined the Chesterton Club, a club of young Catholics. He met and married Lois Ann Baird, the beautiful queen of the 1952 Chesterton Ball, on Valentine’s Day 1953. Bob taught mathematics for 19 years and was Chairman of the Math Department at St. Louis University High School from 1949 to 1968 before transferring to DeSmet Jesuit High School and teaching another 21 years until his retirement in 1989. While at DeSmet, he served as the Asst. Principal (Dean of Students) for a few years and tennis coach for 11 years, winning two State Championships in 1986 and 1987. He also taught mathematics for 13 years in the evenings at Washington University. In retirement, Bob was a member of the internationally acclaimed Ambassadors of Harmony Barbershop Chorus, and even up to his final days, he continued playing the piano for the Bridgeton Culinary Band performing free shows at mostly retirement communities. He enjoyed his poker buddies and his Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) friends. As editor and publisher of the Kelley Family News Letter (KFNL), he kept his extended family and subscribing friends informed and entertained for decades. Throughout his life, Bob was devoted to his Catholic faith. Even as a father of nine on a teacher’s salary, he donated generously (almost to a fault) to numerous charitable organizations and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan that lived to witness the day his beloved Cubs finally won a World Series. Visitation is on Tuesday, March 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home located at 12444 Olive Blvd, St Louis, MO 63141. Funeral is on Wednesday, March 13, at 10 a.m. at the Chapel in the funeral home. Burial service follows at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 North Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Sarah Community Charitable Fund, 3393 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton MO 63044.

Tributes

Robert J. Kelley

March 29, 1924 - March 2, 2019