Robert Eugene Kelly Jr.

Robert Eugene Kelly Jr., a generous and devoted husband and father who worked hard, played hard and loved his family and friends beyond measure, died suddenly July 6 of a massive heart attack. He was 58.

Born in White Plains, N.Y., on April 9, 1960, Bob was one of four children born to a stockbroker and a stay-at-home mother. He moved to Florida with his father in the mid-1970s and attended Suncoast High School, graduating in 1978. He soon began working construction and, at the recommendation of a workmate, became interested in electrical work, eventually earning his journeyman accreditation.

For nearly 40 years, Bob worked as an electrical subcontractor, always bringing his cheery demeanor and ready laugh to work. For the past 25 years, he worked at Acme Lighting in Jupiter.

But it was his side work that allowed him to show his true generosity and unique problem-solving methods. Through the years, clients learned to call him directly. Most times, he was there that very day to install a porch light, fix the lawn spotlights or figure out why the outlet in the bathroom wasn’t working.

For a while, his son, Steven, worked with his dad as the young man considered the trade.

“In the five years we worked together every day, I think I saw him in a bad mood once,” Steven said.

Friends considered Bob the life of the party, remembering him as the “instigator” of good times. He was known for pushing an idea that was a tad bit naughty.

“He wouldn’t do the thing, but he’d convince you to do the thing,” said his daughter, Katelyn.

On June 20, 1987, he married the former Terry Amoth after they met when she was looking for a rental house in West Palm Beach, having just moved here from Wisconsin. Their friendship was immediate, she said, and they married during a sunrise beach ceremony. Throughout their 31 years together, they were always drawn back to the sand and waves. Bob also loved to be with his kids, hang out with a close group of friends - who, through the years, became like family - and he treasured the family’s vacations. He also loved taking candid photos, often from unique aerial angles, the results of which would send his family into stitches.

Terry Kelly said he was simply the most wonderful person. “Everybody always loved him from the start,” she said.

There will be no funeral service, although friends and family are planning a casual “story-sharing” gathering 6 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at 524 S. Lakeside Dr., Lake Worth, 33460.

In lieu of charitable contributions, the extended family is asking that those who loved Bob might consider a private donation to the family to help with funeral and living costs.

“He was heartwarming,” said Terry Kelly, sitting in the family living room, sorting through years of photos. “He just took you in.”

Bob was was preceded in death by his father, Robert Eugene Kelly. His mother, Joan W. Kelly, survives him.

Besides his wife, Terry, and children, Katelyn and Steven, all of West Palm Beach, he is survived by three siblings: Kathleen Fox (Shawn), of Shelton., Ct.; James Kelly (Jana), of Jupiter Farms; and David Kelly, also of Connecticut.

He was also beloved by his wife’s siblings: Yvonne Lundeen (John), of Poplar, Wi.; Debra Lanhart (David), of Fort Mohave, Az.; Linda Weideman (Tom), of Rock Creek, Mn.; Patricia Jo Davey (Rick), of Bennett, Wi.; Robert Amoth (Wanda), of Poplar, Wi.; and Lawrence Amoth (Tracy), of Corinth, Texas.

Many nieces and nephews also mourn their loss.

Memorial contributions may be made to, HTTPS:\\www.gofundme.com\bob-kellys-memorial