Robert “Bob” E. Kelley, 96, of Londonderry, NH passed away Tuesday June 2, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Plaistow, NH to Earle and Edna (Downing) Kelley on May 30, 1930. As a child, he lived in Derry Village and is a proud product of the Derry Village schools graduating as part of the Pinkerton Academy class of 1948. Bob lived in Derry for the first half of his life, moving to Londonderry in 1955.
In 1950, Bob joined the Air Force and served for about two years contributing to the American efforts during the Korean War. After his service in the Air Force, he attended A&E school and attained his aircraft mechanic license. Once licensed, he worked as a mechanic for Eastern Airlines in Boston for 23 years. Bob also worked construction for 26 years building and maintaining rental properties.
Bob married Jean (Chalmers, Livingston) in April 1977, and they were married for 49 years. Throughout their time together, they traveled cross country multiple times and explored Canada in their trailer. Bob and Jean also took their trailer down to Fort Myers, FL every winter for about sixteen years.
Bob is survived by two daughters—Karen Straw of Manchester, NH, and Lynn Kelley of Morgantown, WV—and three stepchildren: Cindy Livingston Finn of Centennial, CO; Lorna J. Livingston of Bremen, ME; and David W. Livingston of Curaçao. Bob also leaves fourteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; his brother, William Kelley of Amherst, NH; his sister, Lois Bond of Rochester, VT; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard Kelley of Glastonbury, CT.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 2 – 4pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A funeral service will begin at 4:00 pm in the funeral home. Graveside services with Military Honors will be Tuesday June 9, 2026, at 10:00am in the Forest Hill Cemetery, East Derry Road, Derry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amedisys Inc, Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.