Robert "Bob" Kelley

A dear brother, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Robert "Bob" Kelley departed this grandfather peacefully at Excel Rehabilitation Care Center on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
He was born in Bethune, South Carolina, on February 21, 1937, the eldest of two children to the late Annie Mae Cook. He received his education in the Carver School System.
At 18, he relocated to Paterson, NJ he met his beloved Helen, married, and brought six beautiful children.
Robert was a hardworking man who held several jobs throughout his life. He started as a dump truck driver and later worked as an independent trucker for James Cook. He spent over 20 years of his life as a driver for Carretta Trucking Inc. and received two awards during his tenure - the Million Mile Safety Award and a gold ring for being the most trusted driver. His last job before retiring in 2010 was with Redline Express.
In his spare time, Robert enjoyed lying on his belly watching old Westerns or Baseball. He enjoyed playing baseball as an outfielder for several Paterson community teams. He was a big fan of the NY Mets and disliked the New York Yankees. He was also involved with the F & A. M. Mason and Order of Eastern Stars for many years.
Despite facing hardships in life, Robert remained determined and strong-willed, which earned him his peers' respect and admiration, preceded in death by his former wife Helen, and youngest daughter Terry.
However, his memory lives on through his five children: Carl Cook (April) of Broadlands, Virginia, Judith Kelley of Paterson, NJ, Ronnie Kelley of Bronx, New York, Melinda Kelley (Vernon) of Charlotte, NC, and Keith Kelley (Arlethia) of Paterson, NJ. He also leaves behind his sister Willene Kelley-Spenser of Hawthorne, NJ, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever cherish his memories.