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HAMPSTEAD, N.C. - Robert George Kelly and Nelda Jean Kelly of Hampstead, died Dec. 15 as the result of injuries sustained in an automotive accident while visiting family in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 72 and she was 70. The Kellys formerly lived in Bedford Hills and Somers.
Robert was born in Yonkers, N.Y., to Harold J. Kelly, Sr. and Laura R. Kelly, and were long-time residents of South Salem. He was raised in the Bronx and in South Salem, graduating from John Jay High School in Cross River, in 1960. After high school, he attended the Academy of Aeronautics in Queens, where he received his degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Aircraft Design. Upon graduation in 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received his wings as a naval officer and pilot of both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. After leaving the Navy, he went on to receive his BA and MBA from Mercy College. A Vietnam veteran, he served from 1963 through 1969 while attached to the 7th Fleet. Immediately after the Navy, he and Nelda moved to Bedford Hills and lastly to Somers, where they raised their children. He was employed by Verizon and held various management positions through the years, before retiring in 2005. He was predeceased by his parents.
Nelda was born April 24, 1943, in Oklahoma, to Edward J. Kendrick and Letha Kendrick and grew up in Midland, Texas. She worked as a personal secretary at Mavis Tire and an office manager at Smith-Cairns. She was predeceased by her parents; and brother, Leo Kendrick.
Both were active members of the community, and took great pride in their service to the Kiwanis Club of Hampstead.
Rob and Nelda are survived by their children, Kari Cohn (Mark) of Phoenix, Ariz., and Christopher E. Kelly (Kristen) of Pound Ridge, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and Bob's brother, Harold J. Kelly (Shannon) of Jacksonville, Fla.
Services for Rob and Nelda will be held Jan. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Yorktown Funeral Home, 945 E. Main St., Shrub Oak, NY 10588 914-962-0700 and at 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at the South Salem Presbyterian Church, 111 Spring St., South Salem, N.Y. Interment will be at the South Salem Cemetery on Main Street in South Salem.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in their memory to the "Kiwanis Club of Hampstead", 586 Sloop Point Long Rd., Hampstead, NC 28443.
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