Robert C. Caley

Robert Cochran Caley, 90, died December 31, 2022, at St. Anns Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. Bob was born June 3, 1932 in Princeton, New Jersey, to Dr. Earle Radcliff Caley and Grace Cochran Caley. Bob graduated from University School and attended The Ohio State University. An accomplished builder, pilot, sailor, and skier, Bob was a true Renaissance Man. His mind saw the possibilities of design, structure, and beauty, and he had the ability to connect them and bring them all to life. Actively working until the time of his death, Bob was the founder and CEO of Colony House, LLC; retired as Vice President of Dick Greer Builders; and was integral in creating the Columbus State Aviation Maintenance Program. A veteran of the United States Navy (Korean Conflict), Bob put his aviation skills to work on behalf of his country. He and his beloved wife Mary Lou traveled the world together. Exploring his ancestral heritage on the Isle of Man, sailing the Caribbean, escaping from a locked castle in England, skiing in the Alps, and revisiting Athens where he lived for a time as a child were among their many adventures. At home, his,love and respect for the wind figured in all his hobbies, whether soaring through the skies or sailing on the waters. He was a former Commodore of Hoover Sailing Club and was active in Central Ohio sailplane,and model aeronautics associations. Bob lived in Minerva Park, in the house he built and shared with Mary Lou for 69 years. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Mary Lou Everett Caley, sister Grace Feist, nephew Ricky Waterloo, sister-in-law Betty Sue Suzie Everett Nestor, and brother-in-law Harold Nestor. He is survived by brother Dr. Paul Caley (Gail), nieces and nephews Mary Lee Nestor Zastudil, Nancy Nestor-Baker (Fred), Roger Feist, Chris Caley, and Cheryl Caley; great-nieces and great-nephews Amanda Friece Zastudil Nippert (John), Nancy Lee Friece Zastudil (Ian), Adam Baker (Kelle), Caley Nestor Baker (Robert), and Harold Baker (Ashley); great-great nieces and nephews Isaiah, Bo, Meredith, Levi, Fitz, Jackson, Samuel, Madelyn, and Lexie Lou; dear friends; and Sweetie the cat. For family and friends alike, he was a rock on which to stand, a safe harbor in times of trouble, and the wind that filled our sails. Friends may call at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville, Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m., Rev. David M. Redding, officiating. Private interment Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greer/Caley Scholarship Fund, Columbus State Foundation, 550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215, csccfoundation.org.