Robert Edward "Bob" Kelly

1927 - 2024

Old Lyme - You can hear the sound of the baseball thumping in the night, as Bob and Scott are warming up once again. Robert "Bob" Edward Kelly went to the diamond in the sky Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at the age of 97. He lived a full and robust life with his wife Sandra (née Nussel). They had seven children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob was born the only child to Norma Schoof and Edward Kelly, October 4, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was raised in Cleveland and attended Purdue University, Ohio University, and Western Reserve College. As a star pitcher, he led Shaw High School to a State and City baseball championship in 1944. He was drafted into the Army in 1946 and discharged in 1947. While serving, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs. His pro baseball career spanned 10 years, four with the Cubs and the rest with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. His proudest achievement was pitching two complete game shutouts against the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds in 1952.

Bob married his high school classmate Sandra on Nov. 25, 1949. Together, they started their wonderful family with six boys and a girl. Bob cherished his family and loved them deeply. They moved to East Lyme in 1969.

Bob coached East Lyme Freshman Baseball, Babe Ruth, and Niantic Legion teams. He worked in Human Resources at Electric Boat for many years and retired in 1993. He was a faithful member and past President of Christ Lutheran Church, where he made many lasting friendships.

Bob and Sandra enjoyed a rich life, traveling many countries, and visiting Vermont for long weekends. Their home was always filled with laughter, a good story, and strong traditions. Bob was a humble man, always eager to have heart-felt conversations and making others feel special. He was a true gentleman.

In 2013, they moved to Old Lyme to live with their daughter. They enjoyed sitting in their beautiful apartment, watching the birds and wildlife all day long (and Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!). His other hobbies were reading, listening to music (Bee Gee's, Glenn Miller, and Neil Diamond), and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. He enjoyed watching his beloved Red Sox and Bruins. Bob and Sandra celebrated their 75th Diamond anniversary just days before he passed.

He is survived by his wife Sandra. He was predeceased by his son Scott; and grandchildren, Bryan and Jay. His surviving children are Kim, Robert (Leslie), Jeff (Sherry), Kevin (Katie), Keith (Jan), and Kara (Tim) Berry. His grandchildren are Chris (Erin), Kyle (Amber), Shannon, Tyler, Kassie (Matt), Britney (Aaron), Kari (Seth), Wade (Olivia), Molly, Matt, Chad (Julia), Evan, Maddy (Roger), and Karoline (Luke).

His family and friends will all miss him dearly.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church 24 Society Road, Niantic. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Middlesex Health Hospice or Christ Lutheran Church. Please visitwww.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave the family an online condolence.