Robert J. "Bob" Kelley

Robert J. "Bob" Kelley obituary, Creve Coeur, MO

Robert J. "Bob" Kelley

Robert Kelley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 10, 2019.
Kelley, Robert J. Bob Teacher at Jesuit High Schools for 40 years Robert J. Bob Kelley, 94, of Maryland Heights, passed peacefully on Sat, March 2, 2019, Devoted husband to Lois Kelley (deceased), with whom he celebrated 65 yrs of marriage & raised 9 children; dedicated father (a.k.a. Pop) of Maureen (Ken), Kathy (Jim), Matt (deceased), Jeff, Kevin (Kelly), Mike (Cindy), Tom (Judy), Eileen, & Dan (Mary); dear brother of Nina (Robert) Katan (deceased), Marlene (Chuck) Saelens, Rita (Jim) Wiedman; loving grandfather of 11 & great-grandfather of 9. Born in Elgin, IL on March 29, 1924. Bob was oldest of 4 children of Gordon & Margaret Kelley. He graduated with top honors from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, IL in '41 & was awarded scholarship to St Procopius College in Lisle, IL. At St Procopius, he played quarterback on football team, captained championship bowling team, was leader & pianist for orchestra, & assoc editor of school paper, while majoring in Chemistry. After completing 2 years there, he joined the Army & attained rank of Acting First Sergeant while serving in Philippines & Japan during & immediately after World War II. Upon return, he attended St Louis U & was member of SLU Chorus & Glee Club. After earning Master's degree in '48, he began his teaching career & joined Chesterton Club, a club of young Catholics. He met & married Lois Baird, the beautiful queen of '52 Chesterton Ball, on Valentine's Day '53. Bob taught math for 19 yrs at St Louis U High from '49 to '68 before transferring to DeSmet Jesuit High & teaching 21 yrs until retirement in '89. While at DeSmet, he served as Asst Principal (Dean of Students) a few yrs & tennis coach for 11 yrs, winning 2 State Championships. He also taught math for 13 yrs in evenings at Washington U. In retirement, Bob was member of internationally acclaimed Ambassadors of Harmony Barbershop Chorus, & even up to his final days, he continued playing piano for Bridgeton Culinary Band. He enjoyed his poker buddies & Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEO) friends. As editor & publisher of Kelley Family News Letter (KFNL), he kept extended family & subscribing friends informed & entertained for decades. Services: Visitation on Tues, March 12, 4pm - 8pm at Ortmann- Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd, St Louis, MO 63141. Funeral on Wed, Mar 13, 10am at the Chapel in funeral home. Burial service follows at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery. See www.osfuneralhomes.com for full obituary. Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com

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Sign Robert Kelley's Guest Book

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March 27, 2019

Richard Moran posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2019

Phillip sullivan posted to the memorial.

March 13, 2019

Rita Webb posted to the memorial.

Richard Moran

March 27, 2019

Mr. Kelley was my sophomore geometry teacher and my adviser at SLUH in 1963-64. I remember him as a patient and tenderly kind man who led us scrupulously through problems and proofs. As proof of his gentle encouragement, I remember designing and coloring in a geometric figure that my own loving mother found laughable. Mr. Kelley, however, saw the beauty (I suppose) in the simplicity of the design and posted it in the library, as I recall. On another occasion, he, as my advisor, called me into his office to ask if I was worried about anything and if everything was ok at home. I had never considered these questions and had nothing to say to him about them; but later in life, I thought back to that moment as a missed opportunity to unload the anxiety that was roiling around in my stomach. I learned to think of life a bit differently as a result of that inquiry though it could not possibly have registered with him as it did with me.

Phillip sullivan

March 16, 2019

I was a math student of Mr. Kelley in 1959. I am absolutely blown away by learning of his many accomplishments. I always thought there was something very special about him and now I know. My condolences to his family. May Mr. Kelley rest in peace.

Rita Webb

March 13, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lisa Sandford

March 12, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

LISA SANDFORD

Sent Flowers

The Kalupas

March 11, 2019

We extend our deepest sympathies and feel a great a loss. We are lucky to have known "Pop" , he accomplished so much in his life!

March 11, 2019

I was saddened to learn of Robert's passing. I'm sure he will be missed, and was comforted by the loving support of his family and friends. Please accept my deepest condolences.

My sympathies,

Paul Gantner

Scott Simon

March 8, 2019

My condolence to all in the Kelley family. He was a positive and formative figure in my life as a fellow St. Monica parishioner and later as his student at DeSmet. There is a reason why he lived a long full life, God looked over him because of his strong faith and what he did for others.

Steven Sansone

March 8, 2019

Mr. Kelly was my math teacher at DeSmet in the early days. He taught me to learn and pass my least favorite subject. Therefore, in addition to his many talents you can add the title of, magician. I wish his family comfort during this difficult time. God bless his soul.

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Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home - Creve Coeur

12444 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141

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Sign Robert Kelley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 27, 2019

Richard Moran posted to the memorial.

March 16, 2019

Phillip sullivan posted to the memorial.

March 13, 2019

Rita Webb posted to the memorial.