Robert Denning Kelley beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the age of 82 leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, service and endless stories. Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Dr. Thomas F. and Eleanor (Anglin) Kelley, Bob spent his formative years in Brookline and West Roxbury, graduating from St. Mary’s high school. Bob was an outstanding athlete in both football and basketball.

 

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years Patricia (Tynan), his two daughters, Karen, (Kelley) Walsh and Jennifer (Kelley) Anderson, son-in-law, Benjamin and cherished grandchildren Shannon (Walsh) and husband Colin Kelly, Kelley Walsh, Bobby Walsh, Abigail Anderson, Patrick Anderson, Lilliana Anderson, Matthew Anderson and great grandchildren Delaney and William Kelly. Besides his parents, Bob is pre-deceased by his brothers Thomas, Christopher, Paul, and is survived by Richard (Cindy) Kelley of Wareham, Betsey (Charles) Hambelton of Mashpee, William Kelley of New York and Deborah (Joseph) Sweet of Walpole. As well as many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins. His family brought him immense joy and pride throughout his life.

 

After graduating from Boston State College, Bob was employed as a summer seasonal police officer in Barnstable, stationed at the Kennedy Compound. His career in politics was inspired at this time. Bob worked on a plethora of local political campaigns including Attorney General Bob Quinn, Speaker of the House Thomas “Tip” O’Neil, and Mayor Kevin White. After campaigning in local and state elections, Bob matriculated to the national level. Bob was employed by many federal campaigns including the U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, Michael Dukakis‘s, and U.S. Senator George McGovern, Walter Mondale, and former astronaut John Glenn. Bob was a White House advance for President Carter from 1977 - 1981. As a part of the White House advanced team, Bob planned details of events, campaign stops, fundraising events, and meetings with national and world leaders. Bob was responsible for several international trips with President Carter including South Korea, Poland, Spain and Yugoslavia. He also traveled with President Bill Clinton to Northern Ireland. Bob was instrumental in the openings of the John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter Presidential Libraries and Museums. After completing the presidential term, Bob continued his public service career in the U.S. Department of Justice Community Affairs Division, which was tasked with protecting civil rights. He then transitioned to the private sector working for Modern Continental. Throughout his storied career, his favorite part was the people he met, and the lifelong friends he made along the way.

 

Bob was most proud of the family he and Pat created. They loved to travel together visiting Europe, Caribbean islands and most of the United States. Together they attended all of their grandchildren’s school and sporting events, even clipping all the newspaper articles to share. Most of all, they truly just loved being together and spending time surrounded by their family. Bob was a big man with an even bigger personality. Bob relished talking on the phone daily with each of his children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. He loved sharing his knowledge and offering the best advice. He will always be remembered for his storytelling, his knack for giving directions, his quick wit, easy laughter, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. Bob’s legacy of faith, love, family, and strong moral conviction will continue to inspire all that knew and loved him.

 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Cape Church, Stony Brook Rd., Brewster, MA on Friday, May 29 at 11 AM followed by interment in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Route 134, South Dennis with a celebration of life to follow at Yarmouth House, Route 28, Yarmouth, MA. 

In honor of Bob’s countless efforts to help others in need, contributions may be made in his memory to Rosie‘s Place 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118.

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