Robert R. Kelley Underhill Robert R. Kelley, 77, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Born September 27, 1934 in Franklin, he was the son of Roy and Della (Ploof) Kelley. In 1956, Robert married Mary Ann Hibbard, daughter of Leon and Lora (Murray) Hibbard. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard – Military Police Division – and received an honorable discharge in 1963. As a young man, Robert worked as a farm hand on the Chapin Orchard Farm, Whitcomb Farm, and later the University of Vermont Agricultural Farm. In the 60’s Robert worked along with his brother Douglas as a contractor. He later started his own contracting business that lasted over 25 years. He built and remodeled many homes in the Underhill area including a development on the English Settlement Road that was named after he and his wife, Mary, called Romar Drive. In 1982 Robert started his small engine repair business, Kelley’s Small Engines, located on Raceway Road and later on Route 15. Robert is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary, and children Brenda Kelley St. Amour (John) of Munising, Michigan, Rick Kelley (Brenda) of Fletcher, Rodney Kelley (Tammie) of Jeffersonville; grandchildren Daniel St. Amour (Tesha) of Seymour, Wisconsin, Jennifer St. Amour of Manistique, Michigan, Brandi Blair (James) of Winooski, Lindsay Kelley-Vanderpoel (James) of Ware, Massachusetts, Cory & Christopher of Jeffersonville; 8 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his sister Helen (Perry “Bud”) Kinsley of St. Albans and sister-in-law, Priscilla Kelley of Cisco, Florida. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Roy and Della Kelley, brother Douglas Kelley, sisters Marion Haylette (Herbert), and Norma Blow; nephew Wayne Bourne. Robert loved music, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends. A devoted father Robert loved to spend time with his children teaching them his trades and sharing his love of the outdoors. He loved geography and those who knew him best always depended on him for the latest weather forecast. Montgomery was one of his favorite places and often a destination for the “every” Sunday drive. Music was a family tradition and Robert loved to sing and play the banjo – many a family reunion was enjoyed with his mother playing the piano, brother Doug playing the guitar and Robert singing and playing the banjo. He was also very proud that his grandson, Daniel, like him served as a military police officer. Family and friends meant everything to him and he was like a shepherd always making sure his flock was safe. Robert’s life will be celebrated at the United Christian Assembly located on Raceway Road in Jericho. Visiting hours at the church will be held on Wednesday, March 7 from 5pm – 8pm. Service with military recognition is to be held on Thursday, March 8 at 11am. Everyone is invited to share a special story about Robert and also to join in a luncheon following the service at the church. Robert’s burial will be at the Underhill Flats Cemetery with the date to be announced later. For those that cannot attend, go to http://www.ucavt.org/media.html for a live steaming video of the service on Thursday, March 8 at 10:30am for 11am service.