Robert "Bob" Kelling

Bob was born on February 13, 1926, one of identical twins, to parents Emil and Hattie Kelling in Queens, N.Y. He was raised, attended school, and graduated High School from the Aviation Annex of Queens PS 81.

His interest in Aviation led to a job as Aircraft Mechanic in Rome Air Depot, N.Y. and at Hickam Field in Hawaii after the war broke out. He joined Lockheed Aircraft in 1952 where he worked his way up from flight mechanic to being a Field Service Rep until his retirement in March 1987. During his years with Lockheed, Bob and family traveled across the United States and the world spending nearly 15 of those years in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. He continued working for Hewlett Packard’s Corporate Aviation Division for the next eight years until their move to Sun City West.

Bob enjoyed acting, singing, serving the community, and making others laugh. In Saudi Arabia, he performed in the plays “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “Oliver”. After moving to Sun City West, Bob was a choral member of the “Variety Show” for many years. He was also a past president of the Computer Club and the Washington State Club, but his passion was volunteering at the Library where he earned more than 3000 hours working in the back office and book sales. Bob also enjoyed traveling – he has visited 70 different countries of the world on tours and cruises.

Bob was preceded by his parents, brother, and sister and is survived by his wife, Melinda, of 57 years, and children, Phillip Ray Kelling, Nancy Dianne Johnston, Richard Robert Kelling and Melissa Kelling Yamashita, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many loving sisters- and brothers- in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life mass will be held at 10 A.M., February 4th, 2023, at the Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 14818 W Deer Valley Drive. The rosary will be recited at 9 A.M.; there will be a reception at the church gathering hall following the mass.

Bob will be greatly missed. He was a gentle man with a good sense of humor, and he loved his family very much.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Bob to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Prince of Peace Conference: Online at popscw.org/donate (Click “Sign up Today” & select the St. Vincent de Paul option) or by check to “St. Vincent de Paul – Prince of Peace” with “Robert Kelling” in the memo line.

Checks may be mailed to: Prince of Peace Church, 14818 W Deer Valley Dr, Sun City West, AZ 85375 or delivered in-person during Bob's Celebration of Life mass.