Bob Kelley died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters after a short illness, at 98 years of age, on October 22nd. He was a lifelong learner and teacher who lived a remarkable life. He had numerous career accomplishments in education, loved both domestic and foreign travels, and maintained a very active social life with many close friends and numerous family get-togethers of all sorts. In his early days, Bob had his private pilot's license and enjoyed flying, was a certified scuba diver, and greatly enjoyed mountain hikes and teaching his daughters and stepchildren how to downhill ski. He was an avid reader fueled by his perpetual curiosity; had amazing knowledge and recall of physics, science, history, and a wide variety of subjects which he loved to discuss; enjoyed playing board and card games and working crossword and crypto-quote puzzles; but mostly loved and enjoyed his family.

Bob was born in New York City on December 14th, 1924. He grew up in Hastings, NY, was active in the Boy Scouts, and achieved the level of Eagle Scout; served in the Navy during World War II, and entered Union College in Schenectady, NY in 1946. At Union, Bob joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was an active Life Loyal Sig for 76 years. He graduated from Union in 1950 with a BS in Physics, received a master's in education from Columbia University in 1951, and Doctorate in Educational Administration from SUNY Albany in 1967. Bob started his career as a high school science teacher in Hudson, NY, in 1951, and then was the Science Department Head at the Bellmore-Merrick School District on Long Island, NY. In 1959, he became the Supervisor of Physics at the New York State Education Department and in 1962 was the Supervisor of the Gifted Programs for NYS Ed. He overlapped that work as an instructor at Russell Sage College for five years and in 1967 became an Associate Professor of Education at SUNY Albany. Bob moved into school administration in 1973 when he accepted the role of Assistant Superintendent of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central Schools. From 1983 until 1993, he was a lecturer in physics at Skidmore College and then, in 1993, worked at Union College for the next ten years as a supervisor of science majors who were attaining a master's degree in education. During his career, Bob had a dozen publications in the fields of science and education and served in advisory roles too numerous to list. Bob stopped teaching at the age of 79; although his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can attest to the fact that Bob never stopped teaching; and he still took an occasional college course into his early 90s so he could continue his learning and challenging professors.

Bob is survived by his loving wife and constant companion for 38 years- Karen Nora Kelley; daughters- Katharine "Kipp" Freeman (Bruce), Karen Puglisi (Pete), Martha Finlay (Scott); stepdaughter- Christine Haskell (Amy Raina); stepson- Jeffrey Haskell; grandchildren- Michael Puglisi (Janna), Andrea Beers (Charlie), Kelley Parent (Jake), Heidi Randall, Adam Freeman (Rachel), Molly Freeman, Heather Finlay (Josh Zlotkin), Alan Finlay (Katie), Nora Haskell, Paisley "Blu" Haskell, and Jasper Haskell; and thirteen great grandchildren- Gabriella Puglisi, Michael Puglisi, Carly Beers, Josey Parent, Ari Parent, Evi Randall, Maia Randall, Abby Freeman, Sam Freeman, Bodhi Zlotkin, Zoe Zlotkin, Kade Finlay, and Nash Finlay.

Bob will be missed by many. His high energy, positive outlook on life and people, sharing of knowledge and teachings, strong affection for his many friends, and his unconditional love of his family will be with us forever.

Memorial service will be held at Old Chapel on the Union College campus.  Friends and family are welcome.
Date: Saturday,  December 2nd, 2023
Time: 1pm Welcome reception, 2pm Memory Service

Location: Old Chapel

Address: 807 Union St, Schenectady NY, 12308
Link to Campus Map: campusmap2023.pdf (union.edu)
Campus Map: Old Chapel is #16 on map. Parking options are marked P on map.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's memory to:

Dana-Farber.org/donate

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Genitourinary Oncology

PO Box 849168

Boston, MA 02284

OR

HospiceofSouthernMaine.org/donate

Hospice of Southern Maine

390 US Rt. 1

Scarborough, ME 04074