Robert W. Kennelly

Robert W. Kennelly, 86, of Altoona, Florida, died at Lakeview Terrace on March 19, 2024. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 2, 1937 to Robert A. Kennelly and Clarice Carmitchel, better known as Grandma and Grandpa Ditto (nicknamed after their dog!). Growing up and over the years, both he and his sister Peggy loved many, many dogs. We can’t imagine the pack following them around in heaven currently…probably with a gallon of ice cream! As a kid, he played any and all sports - basketball, baseball, football, and lots and lots of golf. While playing basketball for Garfield High School, a cute cheerleader named Patricia caught his eye and the rest became history. He went on to get his Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University and eventually became part owner of Cleveland Mechanical, Inc. Bob and Pat were married June 15, 1957 at First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby. They went on to have two girls: Jodi Strode (David) and Terri Kennelly, four grandchildren: Courtney (Kable), Kristin (James), Billy (Corinne) and Lauren (Daniel), and 3 (soon to be 4!) great-grandchildren: Jack, Liam and Mackenzie. Bob and Pat lived in Willoughby, Ohio before moving to Walden in Aurora, Ohio. In 1998, they retired to The Villages where Bob could enjoy year-round golf. Most recently, they lived at Lakeview Terrace in Altoona, Florida where he still played the Par 3 course and putt putt with his neighborhood friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When Bob wasn’t on the golf course, he enjoyed playing card games, doing Sudoku and puzzles, playing shuffleboard or bocce, going to the pool, vacationing with family and friends, watching sports, and going to church. Bob and Pat most recently enjoyed attending First Presbyterian Church of Umatilla with friends. Of all of his hobbies, his favorite was supporting his grandkids in all of their sporting events and any visits from family, particularly grandkids and great-grandkids. There was never a goodbye without a, “Don’t be a stranger!” We could not have asked for a better Bob, Dad, Jr., Papa, Papa Jr, or GGBob and will miss him dearly every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Umatilla on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10am. Donations to Moffitt Cancer Center would be greatly appreciated for the many, many years of expert care and compassion they provided to Bob and his family. moffitt.org/give Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Umatilla, Florida.

Robert W. Kennelly

July 2, 1937 - March 19, 2024