Selle, Robert W. Robert William Selle (USNR) of Chestnut Hill entered into rest on June 17, 2015 at 1900 hrs. at the age of 89. US Naval Academy '49, Harvard Business School '50. He was the dear son of the late Emma (Hoeck) Selle and Harry William Selle of Minneapolis. He was the beloved husband of Katharine (Haffenreffer) Selle for 65 years. Devoted father of William and Deborah Selle, Marseilles, France; Dr. Ben and Kathy Selle, Wolfeboro, NH; Anne and Michel Spitzer, Jamaica Plain, MA; Janet and Hal Grant, Harrisville, NH; Helen Selle and Peter Anderson, West Roxbury, MA; Joe Selle, Concord, MA; 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; also survived by his sister Eleanor (Selle) Albe, Bonita Springs, FL. His many passions included the James Monroe Memorial Foundation (where he served as Chaplain), USS Constitution Museum, The Navy League, patriotism for his country, and boundless love for his family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 10:00AM at Lutheran Church of the Newtons, Newton Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Monroe Memorial Foundation (James Monroe Memorial Foundation, 9630 Sloman Place, Richmond,VA, 23238 or monroefoundation.org) or the VNA Hospice Care (100 Trade Center, G-500, Woburn, MA 01801 or m.vnahospicecare.org). Arrangements by Mann & Rodgers Funeral Home, JAMAICA PLAIN.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 19 to Jun. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT SELLE

7 Entries

Donna Wiesner Keene

September 11, 2016

After a James Monroe meeting Mr. Selle made sure my friend and I got safely to my car, and while an astonished friend watched, he took out his clean handkerchief and wiped off my headlights to make sure I could see properly that night. Such an act of gentlemanly charm endeared him to me.

Fast forward to a political meeting where many people got up to brief everyone in rapid fire. I sat with Mr. Selle, which I called him out of respect.

David Keene was speaking when Mr. Selle tapped me on the arm and said, "a lot of people don't like that man." And I replied, "I know, but I do, I married him." I wasn't offended, in politics if you state your opinion clearly and logically, others get offended -- mostly liberals in our case. After all, Bob lived in Boston!

Clearheaded thinkers like Bob and David are worth learning from, because they are truth tellers. The world is a better place for having had Bob in it.

Judy Mulledy

July 1, 2015

Helen, I have such fond memories of spending some valuable time with your Dad and Mom in their home. Your Dad's Limericks will always make me smile. He was an amazing man. So grateful I got to know him. Saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences.

Dr. Robert Selle

Justin Logsdon

July 1, 2015

Dr. Robert Selle was a longtime faithful Trustee of The James Monroe Memorial Foundation. He was a great friend and a true American patriot. His religious faith was deep and abiding.
I spoke to him the day before his stroke. He was very alert and very pleased that the Foundation was going to complete the reproduction of James Monroe's boyhood home in Westmoreland county Virginia. We have pleasant thoughts of Robert discussing these times with President Monroe. He will be sorely missed.

Anne Grimes Rand

June 24, 2015

Robert was a great friend to the USS Constitution Museum since our earliest days. He suggested creating a group of supporters for the collections, and for 30 years the Commodores have enabled the Museum to acquire artifacts that illuminate the rich history of "Old Ironsides" and her sailors. The collective contributions of this group are staggering, allowing the USS Constitution Museum's collection to grow and thrive. Our understanding and memory of "Old Ironsides" is deeper thanks to you.

Maureen Larkin

June 24, 2015

i am so sorry for your loss.

Sandy Bocko

June 24, 2015

For All the Light you brought to the world with your wife, Thinking now especially with Love and gratitude, for your children,and my wonderful friend, Anne 'Selle' Spitzer. May your Journey Home be filled with Grace & Ease.. and may your family feel this also...GOD BLESS You Mr. Selle

June 22, 2015

Robert your leadership at EVERY reunion and the closing Brookline Country Club Lunch will always be remembered as a way of getting us all to come back to the next Reunion. You will be missed by all.
Warmly, Ray

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