Robert Stephen Kelly

 

Our dear Papa passed away at home on 2/8/2023. Dad lost his battle with cancer and dementia. Dad was born to Robert E. Kelly and Jean Vandever in San Diego California on April 2nd, 1944.  After dad’s family settled in Utah, dad went to Judge Memorial Catholic High School and graduated in 1963. After High School dad attended the University of Utah. Upon graduation dad went on to volunteer with the Peace Corps and served villages in Panama for 2 years. Dad was a caring man who served others throughout his life. For over 10 years dad worked with adults with special needs teaching them job skills. Along with helping special needs adults, dad worked as a drug and alcohol rehab counselor for over 25 years. Dad was a strong advocate for those who wanted to get clean and stay clean.

Even in retirement dad continued to serve. Dad volunteered with the Daughter’s of Charity Ministries Give Me a Chance in Ogden Utah. Dad helped with the after school program for underserved children as a tutor. Dad did this late into his retirement, but had to stop once his dementia prevented him from volunteering. Dad enjoyed listening to jazz and blues, he loved singing in his church choir at the Newman Center, and he loved watching his grandson son Jacob play baseball.

Dad was preceded in death by his father Robert E. Kelly, daughter Daniela Pritchett, mother Jean Kelly, brother Tim Kelly, wife Antonella M. Kelly, brother in law Rick Lepley and brother Patrick Kelly. Dad is survived by his brother Mike Kelly (Cathy), sister Joan Lepley, son John Pritchett, son Anthony Kelly (Ronda),  grandson Jacob, and many nieces and nephews. 

As per dad’s request there will be no funeral. Dad’s ashes will be spread in private with his family as per his wishes. The family asks that friends and family celebrate dad’s life with a prayer for those who suffer from cancer and dementia. The family wishes to thank Alma with Annie’s Elder Care and the caregivers from Active Home Hospice for assisting John with dad’s care.