Robert D. Kelter

1941 - 2022

Robert Daniel Kelter, Lieutenant Colonel United States Army (Retired), passed away peacefully on June 1st, 2022 at his home in Millersville, Maryland. He was 80 years old. Born December 5th, 1941 in Norwood, Massachusetts to George and Margaret Kelter, Bob was the fourth of nine children. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers George and John, and his sister Margaret. He is survived by his sister F. Rhonda, brother Richard, and sisters Noreen, Deborah, & Patricia. Bob had a big smile and curly red hair during his youth. He met his wife of 55 years, Paula Black Kelter, in the second grade at St. Catherine of Siena in Norwood, Massachusetts. They dated during high school and college. Bob graduated from Mission Hill High School in Boston, Massachusetts in 1961. He drove an ambulance and worked at a pharmacy soda counter while earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1966. On July 9, 1966, Bob and Paula were married, surrounded by friends and family at St. Catherine of Siena. The couple honeymooned in Niagara Falls and took up residence back home in Norwood, Massachusetts. Bob's devotion and love of Paula was steadfast. Bob entered active duty in the United States Army Medical Corps in October of 1966 and attended the Officer Basic course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His first duty assignment was at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In the early years of his career, he completed a 13-month tour to Da Nang, Vietnam serving with the 95th Evacuation Hospital. Eight moves took the couple and family to Fort Devens, Massachusetts; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; back to Fort Devens, Massachusetts; the Army Reserve Center in Albany, New York; and their final duty station at Fort Meade, Maryland. After Bob retired from the Army, he began his second career as "Doctor Bob" serving customers at Park Pharmacy in Severna Park. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Severna Park Council for many years, and he also volunteered at SPAN (formerly the Severna Park Assistance Network) for 14 years, helping neighbors with emergency resources. These were just a few of the examples of his work supporting and serving others. Bob's first child, Christopher ("Chris") Kelter was born in 1968 during Bob's tour in Vietnam. Chris is married to Laura Freeman Kelter and they have two children, Avery and Emersyn. Both Avery and Emersyn work at Park Pharmacy, Bob's last official workplace. They live in Severna Park, Maryland. His second child, Andrea Kelter Snodgrass, was born in 1971 while the family was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Andrea is married to Brad Snodgrass and they have two children, Mallory and Brett. They live in Arnold, Maryland. Bob thoroughly enjoyed family gatherings as a beloved brother, brother-in-law, and warm and funny uncle to 32 nieces and nephews. He spent time staying in touch with his large family and the network of friends made during those many Army moves. He dutifully took care of his home with a meticulous eye for detail. He enjoyed puzzles, reading on his kindle, and learned to text so that he could stay connected to those he loved, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching and supporting Boston professional sports teams, particularly his beloved Boston Bruins. He will be laid to rest at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland following a private funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to SPAN www.spanhelps.org (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) or The Knights of Columbus Council #3413. Please note "Robert Kelter Memorial Gift" in the memo line of checks or email the organization if you donate online so that the family may acknowledge your generosity. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com