Robert James Kelley

Robert James Kelley, 79, passed on September 13, 2024 in Worcester after a short illness. Robert was born on July 2, 1945 in Cambridge, MA, the son of Dorothy and Lawrence Kelley.

Bob attended Paulist Junior Seminary for his first two years of high school. After graduating from Matignon High School in Cambridge, he continued his education at Boston State College. He achieved his Masters degree at Boston College in Vocational Rehabilitation. He began his career working for Mass Rehabilitation Commission in Boston, Massachusetts and later worked in Fitchburg, Massachusetts serving public agencies until his retirement. He was most proud of his years serving people in need.

In 1970 he married Carol Wiseman Burgess and they lived in the Boston area until 1974 when they moved to Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Bob had a great sense of humor earning the nickname "Bobby Big Kid." He was known for his puns and jokes which he would write on the back of every greeting card sent for birthdays and milestones. Bob was devoted to his faith and he spent much of his life in thoughtful pursuit of spiritual understanding and service. His time in the seminary reflected his commitment to guiding others with compassion, believing in the whole person's mind, body, and soul. He lived by these values, offering kindness and support to all who crossed his path. He enjoyed his family the most, especially his grandchildren whom he adored and they adored him. He never missed a birthday party or any celebration, and Christmas Eve was his favorite. Bob had a strong love for music and he shared that with everyone he knew. Bob played upright bass in the school orchestra, was an accomplished pianist, and had a large collection of records. He was passionate about the musical explorations of his grandchildren. Bob and his brother played in a band called "The Nightlighters" that earned some accolades over the years. He also had a keen interest in cars, including a fond memory of driving down the highway in the winter bundled up in his 1960 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 convertible with his brother. Bob's kindness extended beyond family and friends. He enjoyed gardening and feeding the birds and stray cats. His passion and love of food contributed to his great accomplishments in cooking and baking. His recipes will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his sister Joan and her husband John Mara, his brother David Kelley and wife Donna Ricci; his daughter Elizabeth Kelley, her husband Kerry Koskinen, and their two daughters Anneka and Sophia; his daughter Jennifer, her husband Barry Smith, and their three children; Brady, Keller and Delaney; and his daughter Stephanie, her husband Shannon Lashua, and their three children; Samson, Sawyer and Scarlett.

Bob's joie de vivre spread to everyone he met and we are all fortunate to have been in his presence.