Robert "Bob" Kelly

Mr. Robert "Bob" Donald Kelly, 95, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025 at King-Bruwaert House, Burr Ridge, Illinois. Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 14, 1929. Bob completed a B.S. in General Engineering from Iowa State, a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering and a PhD in Industrial Psychology from Purdue University. Bob served in the Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant. He was a partner at A.T. Kearney, a Senior Executive Parter at Arthur Andersen, and at Watson Wyatt. He served on the board of directors for Hinsdale Central High School Board (President), College of Dupage (COD), Hinsdale Village, Hinsdale Historical Society, and Hideaway Beach Marco Island.
Bob was an adventure seeker – traveling the country and the world. He sailed in Great Michigan sailboat races, in the India Ocean and other parts of the world. He was an avid golfer and played with his colleagues until he was 90. He grew up in Chicago but married a country girl from a farm. He and Kay relished the two cultures and passed along their love for the farm to their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He wrestled for Iowa State and he loved to watch his kids play sports, cheering their successes and supporting them through their challenges.
Mr. Kelly is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kay Romayne Kelly; two sons, Kim Robert Kelly and his wife Sandra, Kris Donald Kelly and his wife Karen, and daughter, Candis Elizabeth Kelly-Braatz and her husband John; grandfather to Shawna Kelly-Anderson and her husband Matthew, Brett Kelly and his wife Katelyn, Jackson Braatz and his wife Mary K, Cannon Braatz and his wife Piper; and great-grandfather to Reagan, Sidney, and Mackenzie.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 10am until time of Memorial Service at 11am at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th, Countryside, on Saturday, October 18, 2025. A procession to Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, for inurnment will follow immediately. Family requests donations to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN in lieu of flowers: https://give.mayoclinic.org/give/609586/#!/donation/checkout.
For Service Info: 708-352-6500