Robert Kelly

Robert Bob Kelly, 86, of Rockford passed away Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Wesley Willows. He was born December 10, 1925 in Evanston, IL. The son of Robert Cecil and Emily (Knight) Kelly. Graduated from Chicago Christian High School and the Illinois Institute of Technology. He married Jean Elizabeth Pilgrim at Englewood Methodist Church in Chicago on September 12, 1953. Jean predeceased him on May 2, 2004.

For 18 years he worked at Camp;EI Railroad as a Systems Programmer and Analyst, then for 22 years at Bodine Electric Company where he was Manager of the Payroll Department. Bob came to Rockford in 1999 moving here from Chicago, IL. Bob loved his country and enlisted at the age of 17 in the Army. He served in the 100 th Infantry Division in the European Theatre in WWII, earning a Purple Heart and other awards. He was a member of American Legion, Wm Marks Post No.904. He was a proud descendant of the Isle of Man and served as the Honorary President of the North American Manx Association, President of the Chicago Area Manx Society, and member of the Wisconsin Manx Society. In addition he was Past President of the Financial Management Association of Illinois, Past President of the Winnebago and Boone Counties Genealogical Society, and a Board Member of BIGWILL. Bob was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and formerly of Edison Park UMC, a Lay Member of the Northern Illinois Annual UMC Conference, and United Methodist Men earning the John Wesley Fellows Award.

Survivors include his Nieces and Nephew, Joanne (Kurt) Fischer of Plano, TX, Rebecca (James) Antrim of Centreville, VA, Barbara Pilgrim of Appleton, WI and John (Carol) Pilgrim of Oconomowoc, WI. Great Nieces and Nephew, Sarah, Katie, Stephen and Caren. GreatGreat Niece and Nephew, Lucy and Tyler. Cousin, Christine (Peter) Wallis of Isle of Man in the British Isles. Many dear friends especially those at Wesley Willows, Aldersgate UMC, and the Manx Society. Predeceased by his parents, wife Jean, Brotherinlaw and his wife Richard and Ruth Pilgrim. The family would like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows for their care and concern during Bobs illness.

Memorial Service at 11am Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Rockford, IL. Visitation from 10am until time of service at the Church. Graveside Service at 1pm ,Wednesday, November 21, 2012 in Cedar Park Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested. Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral home, Riverside Chapel. Express online condolences at