Bobby J. Kelly

Bobby Joe Kelly May 27, 1930 ~ July 10, 2015 Monterey, CA Bobby "Bob" Kelly, 85, passed away peacefully at Sunrise Senior Living, the evening of July 10, 2015, surrounded by loved ones. Bob was born in Huntington, Arkansas, the only son of Edward and Wilma Kelly. Bob grew up in Huntington, Arkansas, attending Huntington Grammar School and at the age of 15, moved to the Monterey Peninsula with his parents and siblings. As a young man,growing up in Pacific Grove, he was an altar boy for the Episcopalian Church, worked at Holman's Department Store, Safeway and the American Can Company. Bob graduated from Pacific Grove High School and attended Monterey Peninsula College where he played center on the football team. On February 15, 1950, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force, attended boot camp at Parks AFB, California. Upon completion, he was assigned to 1100 Air Police Squadron at Boling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. as a Security Air Policeman. He was assigned additional duty as VIP Personal Security Guard with the 1100 USAF Ceremonial Squadron. Bob held the rank of SSGT. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Bob maintained the rate of Sharpshooter while in the Air Force. While in the D.C. area, Bob met the love of his life, Genevieve Frances Zyvoloski. They married in Hyattsville, Maryland in June 1951 and in October 1952 they had their first of five children, Stephan. In June 1954, Bob was Honorably Discharged from the Air Force, and they returned to the Monterey Peninsula, where Elizabeth, Kathleen, Judith and Robert were born. Bob worked with his father at their Flying A gas station in Monterey until May 1955, when he joined the City of Monterey Police Department. Bob received numerous trophies and awards as both Sharpshooter and Marksman. Bob held the rank of Detective and retired as a Lieutenant in 1987. Bob enjoyed being with his family, BBQs, bowling, playing horse shoes, Cribbage, Dominos and video games with his kids and grandchildren. Bob also coached junior bowlers at Monterey Lanes, back in the late 60s. He had a cabinet shop in Pacific Grove, as a hobby, as well as a gift shop, on Cannery Row, "Wisp of the Will", which he ran with Genevieve. He was very artsy, making metal sculptures and quilts. He even made a quilt for Doris Day. He was an avid photographer and won an award for his entry in a photography magazine. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Genevieve; parents, Edward and Wilma Kelly; his sisters Norma McBride and Jeanette Dommer; his daughter, Judith and granddaughter, Amanda Kelly Bujol. Bob is survived by his loving children Stephan Kelly (Valerie), Elizabeth Owens (Doyle) Kathleen Bartlett (Johnny), and Robert Kelly (Deborah); as well as six grandchildren, Emily Flinders (Mitch), Doyle Owens III, Kelly Chambers, John Bartlett (Kittrina), Allison Bonanfant (Adam), Amber Kelly; nine great grandchildren, Rhyanne, Madison and Matthew Flinders, Jake, John and Abbigayle Bartlett, Angelina and Abram Bonanfant, Bryce Bujol; and two great-great grandchildren, Alejandro and Lilly Anna Aguirre; two sisters, Sue Reed and Lusanne Bough; as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Sunrise Senior Living and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care and attention they provided Bob. With a very special thank you to the Reminiscence staff at Sunrise for their love and affection for "their Bobby". Cremation services were provided by California Cremation Society. Memorial Services will be held on August 8, 2015 at 1:00pm at Mission Memorial Park, 1915 Ord Grove Ave., Seaside.