Robert "Bob" William Kelly's Obituary
Robert William Kelly (“Bob”), age 85, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Bethany Beach, Delaware. He was born on January 6, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York.
Bob lived in Brooklyn until the age of five, when his family moved to Narberth, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Margaret’s School and graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in 1958. After high school, Bob attended Villanova University. While records may vary regarding his graduation status, Bob always proudly considered himself an alumnus—and no one ever questioned it.
At just fifteen years old, Bob met the love of his life, Mary Ellen, at his family’s dinner table. What began as a teenage romance evolved into a lifelong partnership, and they married in 1968, building a marriage marked by devotion, laughter, and strong family ties.
Bob enjoyed a long and successful career, most notably spending over two decades at KYW Newsradio, where he consistently earned top national sales awards—an extraordinary achievement given that he was selling in only the fourth-largest market in the country. After his time at KYW, Bob embraced a new professional chapter at MBNA America, where he finished his career.
Bob was dedicated to giving his children and friends incredible memories of concerts and Philadelphia sporting events. The pinnacle of his sports fandom was attending the 1985 Villanova Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, and the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies World Series—moments that became treasured memories and a gift of some of the best childhood experiences for his family.
In retirement, Bob cherished the time he spent traveling with Mary Ellen and close friends, visiting his homeland of Ireland and many other European countries. He also devoted himself to service, volunteering with Meals on Wheels in both Bethany Beach, Delaware, and Vero Beach, Florida, quietly giving back to the communities he loved.
While work was always a priority and a significant part of Bob’s life, nothing ever surpassed his devotion to family. He dedicated many years to coaching Radnor Wayne Little League, where his time on Encke A achieved near-legendary status. Bob never missed a child’s game—or a “sales call”—often appearing on the sidelines in a suit, cheering louder than anyone for Radnor. His presence, enthusiasm, and unwavering support left a lasting impression on players and parents alike.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, remembered for his limitless humor, mischievous pranks, and unmatched ability to make every situation better simply by being there. Nobody was funnier, and life was always brighter in Bob’s company.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen Kelly (née Kleinfelder); his children, Robert W. Kelly Jr. (“Bobby”) and his wife, Rochelle; Margaret Kelly McWilliams (“Maggie”) and her husband, Zach; and Michael Francis Kelly and his wife, Jamie. He is also survived by his siblings, Jo Ann Burns (née Kelly) and Francis X. Kelly Jr.
Bob was a proud grandfather to Robert W. Kelly III, Grace Kelly, Colin Kelly, Ryan McWilliams, Kate McWilliams, Matthew Kelly, Meghan Kelly, Julia Kelly, Mikey Kelly, and Finn McWilliams, each of whom brought him immense joy.
May Bob’s soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Services will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Parish, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA.
In place of flowers, please make donations to the Bethany Beach EMS Fund in Bob’s memory:
https://bethanybeachfire.com/donations/.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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