Robert P. “Bob” Kelley

Family & friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway for Robert P. “Bob” Kelley, who died on Monday, February 29th at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., unexpectedly. His funeral will be conducted from the Funeral Home on Saturday, March 5th at 10:00 a.m. & followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., Revere at 11:00 a.m.
Raised & educated in Revere, he is a 1951 alumnus of Revere High School. In May of 1953, he entered the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served until May of 1955. He served as a Private 1st class and spent over one year in Tokyo. From 1966 through 1997, Bob worked for US Airways as a maintenance supervisor for 31 years. In 1987 (November), he bought the former “Buddy’s Café” and renamed it, BK’s Bar & Grille at Revere Beach. The bar is still owned & operated by his sons, Robert B. “Bobby” Kelley & Michael S. Kelley. Concurrently, while at BK’s, he & his wife, “Sissy” Bruce-Kelley, became the proud owners of Shannons’ Irish Pub in Lynn for over thirteen (13) years. Bob, Sissy, Bobby & Michael worked twenty-four/seven for many years, creating a success at both locations. Finally, Bob & Sissy retired & began passing the winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. They would often operate their establishments as social centers, allowing the “do drop-ins” a place to congregate & pass the time of day. Bob & Sissy were old dear friends of the late “Mickey” Reardon & his son, “Jackie” Reardon, who also ran the their businesses in the same manner. Bob & Sissy gave much back to the community, in the forms of generous sports sponsorships & donations. And the Kelley’s much like the Reardon’s, often quietly & anonymously were the funding source for many a fund raiser. That, in and of itself, is a tremendous legacy to Bob and his family.

Besides, his beloved wife of 53 years, Eleanor E. “Sissy”(Bruce) Kelley, he is the devoted father of, Robert B. “Bobby” Kelley of Boston, Brian M. Kelley and his partner Mark Zylla of New York City, NY, Michael S. Kelley & husband, Ricardo Rodriguez of Boston, Kathleen M. Kelley of Revere, Robert Kelley, Linda Rogowicz & her husband, Rob Rogowicz all of Chelsea. He is the cherished grandfather of Halle, Chase, Melody, Robbie, Meghan, Erin, Kerriann, Melissa & Stephanie. He is the dear brother of Retired Revere patrolman, David J. Kelley of Revere. He is also lovingly survived by several great-grandchildren, his caring extended Bruce & Morgan families & many nieces, nephews & faithful cousins. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. “Bob”was a long-time member of the Revere Loyal Order of Elks,#1171 of Revere.

Services

Visiting Hours

Friday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Revere

Interment

Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN. 38101-9908