BRANDON — Robert J. “Bobbo” Kelly, 82, of Brandon, died Jan. 27, 2022, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont, after a short illness.
Born in Rutland, Vt., on Aug. 27, 1939, Bob was a proud alumnus of Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Rutland, where he enjoyed a storied athletic career. Bob remained a life-long Vermont resident, later residing in Brattleboro, Newfane, and Brandon.
Bob’s love of sports continued throughout his life, as he enjoyed golf with his friends and family at Neshobe Country Club, playing basketball and softball in several neighborhood leagues, traveling annually to New York to root for his beloved New York Yankees, and making his enthusiastic presence known throughout Vermont as he coached and rooted for his daughters and many other relatives at their numerous athletic games.
Bob also loved visiting his ancestral home of Ireland. He was a gregarious host and enjoyed cooking generous meals for friends and family. Bob’s professional career saw him travel extensively throughout New England with his work as a beverage salesman. Following his retirement from G. Housen & Co. in Brattleboro, Bob continued to be actively involved in his community, including as a much-loved presence in the Shoreham school system as a para-educator.
Bob is survived by his wife, Leslie; daughters Ryan Kelly of Newfane, Vt., Mitzi Newton of Mendon, Vt., ] and Meg Curry (Mike) and his granddaughter Campbell Curry, all of Ossining, N.Y.; his sister Claire Notte (“Miss Daisy”) (John) of Rutland; sister-in-law Jeanne Kelly; brother- and sister-in-law Rob and Christina Naylor of Salisbury, Vt.; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Bob was predeceased by his daughter Kara Kelly on Dec. 22, 1978, and his brothers Jack and Francis “Mickey” Kelly.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller and Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leland & Gray Athletic Department (write checks to “WRED”, memo: Bob Kelly), P.O. Box 128, Townshend, VT 05353, OR the Brandon Area Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 232, Brandon, VT 05733.
