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Robert Kennerly Obituary
He was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 13, 1931 to Sam & Peggy Kennerly. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Janice Bettwy and Vera Sherman and his brother, Don Kennerly.
Robert was a retired Yuma politician and community leader, served on the Yuma City Council from 1962 to 1966, served on the Yuma County Board of Supervisors from 1976 to 1984 and on the Arizona Board of Pardons and Parole from 1984 to 1989.
As a community leader, Kennerly served for ten years actively on the District 4 Council of Governments, was one of the founders of the Southern Arizona Bank of Yuma, and he served on the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. He was the first President of Caballeros de Yuma and served as the Publicity Director for the Yuma Chapter of the NAACP of which he is a lifetime member. He was also a charter member and President of both the Sunrise Optimist Club, and founder, charter President and long-time Board member of the Yuma Boys Club.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannette, daughters; Kathy Bierl (Denny), Carol Laabs (Lee), Bunny James (Gary), and Robin Fisher (Joe), 15 grand children, 27 great grand children and 1 great-great grandchild.
Memorial services will be held at Sunset Vista Mortuary and Crematory, on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 9:00 am. The family request that donations be made to Hospice of Yuma in lieu of flowers. Also, they wish to thank Dr. Atilio Giangreco and Dr. Michael Shea of Yuma Oncology Center for their wonderful care.
Please visit the guest book at www.yumasun.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kennerly
Bill Vandenbosch
August 16, 2022
Bob was a good friend & a tremendous community & statewide leader. My regards to his family & friends.
Ralph Flores
August 31, 2013
Our sympathy to the Kennerly family. Mr.Kennerly was the coach of the Little League team my brother Sam and I played on at Orangewood Elementary in Phoenix. We remember him and his family fondly. This was back in the 1950's.
August 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Kennerly family, I first met Bob in 1972 when I worked for OEPAD and he headed the District iV COG. I had tremendous respect for Bob. He enlightened me in how to deal with elected officials. My first mtg with him I was surprised & pleased to see a poster of Robert Kennedy on the wall of his office. He was a friend of the Cocopah Tribe when they were especially downtrodden. I remember he helped them get a pay phone on their reservation. Bob was a great man and a friend to all.
Sincerely
Bill Vandenbosch
August 28, 2013
I just found out about this from Dale Farmer. Bob was my neighbor and friend and he helped me keep my spirits up through my late husband's illness. Please accept my condolences to J and family. Bob, you will be missed.
August 26, 2013
Mr. Kennerly was my Little League coach in Phoenix back in the 1950s. He was a thoughtful and caring man and I always held him in high regard. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family. Sam Flores
Lisa Wolfe-Catron
August 24, 2013
A life well lived.
I'm sorry for your loss.
John Stewart
August 23, 2013
I had many political talks with Mr. K and Tom Allt over the years. He gave me some good advice over the years. I was just a student, but you could always talk to Bob. Glad i got to have some small talk at Ted Bowen's memorial. RIP Bob Kennerly, you did lots of good things for Yuma.
Jack Harris
August 23, 2013
We were both saddened to get the news of Bob's death. He was truly one of the good guys and will be missed by all who experienced his friendship. His
humor and emails will be archived and
read again with fond memories of Bob.
He kept in touch and I appreciated that very much!
No more pain and suffering as he rests in the presence of his Lord!
Hardy Ng
August 22, 2013
My condolences to his wife and family. Mr. Kennerly was always there for my parents and me. He will be missed.
Emily Olsen
August 22, 2013
Carol, I was so sorry to hear that your father passed away. May he rest in peace.
Dave McDowell
August 22, 2013
I'm so very sorry of Bob's passing. I enjoyed our emails and his support of the El Toro Bowl coming back to Yuma. He leaves a legacy of family commitment, community support and leadership. My prayers are with Bob's family.
Trudi & John Schooley
August 22, 2013
Bob is a great loss to family and friends. I am honored that I got to meet him. He was always such a joy to talk to and a great help with my plants. My prayers to the family for your loss.
August 22, 2013
A great man. He will be missed.
Harry and Maureen Henl
John Jung
August 22, 2013
You were always a caring and generous man and treating me like a son. You will not be forgotten. "God Bless" you and your family. John & Rachel Jung
Raymond and Susan Bell
August 22, 2013
We are so sad to hear of the loss of Bob. He will always be a great man in our memories.
Carolyn (Pancrazi) Marquez
August 22, 2013
My condolences to the Kennerly family. My mother, Dorothy Pancrazi, worked for your Dad at Council of Governments. He was such a nice man and she loved working for him. Sending thoughts and prayers your way at this time of need.
Biff Jannuzzi
August 22, 2013
Bob was one of the bright lights of my time in Yuma! His humor and intellect made him a valued news source for me at KVOY and KAWC and a delightful friend. I'm glad we were able to reconnect recently after so many years.
August 22, 2013
Kennerly Family,
A note to say that we, too, are saddened by your loss. That he gave so much will not be forgotten. You are in our prayers.
Marilyn and Pete Young
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Sunset Vista Funeral Home, Cemetery & Crematory11357 East 40th Street, Yuma, AZ 85367
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