Robert James Kelley

Albany- Robert James Kelley, 78, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, December 26, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Saranac Lake to the late James and Winifred (Manning) Kelley. Bob graduated from Albany High in 1951 and then proudly served with the United States Navy. Bob was a former Albany Police officer and later retired with the Capitol Police in 1988. Bob loved spending time with his family and his faithful companion Bebe, his Boston terrier. He was a member of the Joseph E. Zaloga Post and was a past member of the Mt. Defiance Masonic Lodge and Cypress Shriners. He enjoyed meeting his friends for morning coffee, geneology, photography, square dancing, wood carving, CB radio and camping, and was a winter resident of Colony Cove, Ellenton, Fl.
Bob is survived by his high school sweetheart and adoring wife of over 58 years, Phyllis Gifford Kelley; his four loving daughters, Karen (Michael) Flanagan of Newport, NC, Cindy (Paul) Rankin of Bennington, VT, Laurie (Bill) Jones of Colonie, NY and Pam (Jeff) Ronesi of Pittstown, NY. Papa will be especially missed by his cherished grandchildren; Charlie, David (Theresa) and Tim Flanagan; John and Amy Rankin; Kelley (David) Murphy; Brian (Laura) Jones and Dan (Rebecca) and Nikolas (Camille) Ronesi. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Nicholas and Carleigh Flanagan; Gabriella Murphy and Nikolas and Lucas Ronesi. Papa was always supportive of his entire family's activities and will be dearly missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Colonie EMS Benevolent Association, Inc. PO Box 11076, Loudonville, NY 12211 or to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, Attn: Development Dept. 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204, in Robert's honor. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will be Thursday from 5 to 7 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy.