Robert Edward Kelo, Jr.

July 1, 1960 - July 19, 2020

Robert Edward Kelo, Jr., 60, a resident of Fort Myers, FL for the past five years, formerly of Seymour, CT, passed away of natural causes on Sunday, July 19, 2020 in Fort Myers. He was born July 1, 1960 in New Haven, CT. Robert was of the Catholic faith.

Bobby Kelo, fondly known by his community and friends as Coach Kelo, had a 32-year career as a math teacher & coach at Seymour High School in Seymour, CT.

As head baseball coach, Coach Kelo compiled an impressive record of 438-239 including six league championships, twenty-three playoff appearances, eleven semi-final appearances, six finals and the State championship in 2007.

Coach Kelo was twice named New Haven Register Coach of the Year, and once named Connecticut Post Coach of the Year.  Sixty of his players went on to play baseball in college. Forty-five of his players were selected to All-League teams.  Twenty-five of his players were selected for the all-state team and six players signed Major League baseball contracts.

Coach Kelo was inducted into the Seymour High Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Bobby graduated from Seymour High in 1978 and received a bachelor’s degree in Math from Southern Connecticut State University in 1983.

As a teacher and Coach, Bobby was tough and determined, but also had a heart of gold.  He had a lasting impact on his students and players and was a loyal friend, son and brother.

Former players state that “Coach Bob Kelo was not only my coach, not only a friend, but a part of the family.”

He is survived by his loving mother, Jacqueline Kelo of Chesterfield, VA; two siblings, Deborah Kelo of Chesterfield, VA, and Michael Kelo (Susi), also of Chesterfield, VA; as well as a niece and nephew, Ella Kelo and Landry Kelo.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Edward Kelo, Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in CT. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com

Memorial Contributions in memory of Coach Bobby Kelo are suggested to the Seymour High School Diamond Club at 2 Botsford Rd., Seymour, CT 06483.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Deb Stordy Jul 27, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    Bob, you were one of a kind. You will be dearly missed. Lots of good memories. RIP my friend!

  2. Jerome Fainer Jul 27, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    RIP Coach,that’s a smile that’s hard to forget

  3. Dajana Jul 27, 2020 at 9:30 pm

    Grateful to have known Bob…. so sorry he was taken too soon. My deep condolences to his family & friends.

  4. Nick Rizzio Jul 27, 2020 at 9:35 pm

    Thanks for your friendship — R.I.P. buddy

  5. Kate Winland Jul 27, 2020 at 10:35 pm

    Bobby I still hear you’re laugh. I enjoyed our friendship so much. Im a better person for of knowing you. You will truly be missed. Fly with Angels and RIP. See you on the other side. Love you.

  6. Joseph Pedevillano Jr Jul 27, 2020 at 11:43 pm

    You were loved by all who knew you! The people of Seymour will always remember you and you shall never be forgotten!! Rest Easy Coach🙏🏼

  7. Joel Mastrobattisto Jul 28, 2020 at 10:09 am

    Coach you left your Mark in this life, there is no doubt you will do the same on the other side. You will be missed

  8. Robin Chancio Jul 28, 2020 at 4:29 pm

    Rest in peace coach Kelo you were a great coach my thoughts and prayers are with you Jackie and the rest of your family

  9. Jeff Toler Jul 28, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    Miss you forever friend! I promise we will have “Sunday Sodas” again someday in heaven. RIP Kelo..

  10. Laurie Siwanowica Nevins Jul 28, 2020 at 6:47 pm

    To my cousins, Jackie, Michael, and Debbie I am so very sorry for the loss of Bob.. Our whole family is deeply saddened. I will always carry the fond memories of the great family parties at the house in Seymour frowing up as a kid.. Please know all of the families love and support is with all of you during this difficult time❤️

  11. Paula Passerini Dube Jul 29, 2020 at 7:20 am

    Rest east Bob. Wish we had a chance to meet up in February!

  12. The Bengivengo Family Jul 31, 2020 at 6:13 am

    Coach Kelo you were one in a million, thank you for helping turn our sons into amazing ball players, disciplined, respectful, hard working men, your legacy lives on . You will be missed, thanks for the memories…..

  13. Rob Cafaro Jul 31, 2020 at 6:20 pm

    It was an honor to play for you. You were a great coach and will be sorely missed RIP

  14. Tom Heffernan Aug 10, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    Mrs. Kelo, Mike and Deb, I was very saddened to hear the news from my dad of Bob’s passing. He was a great friend and I will always appreciate all that he did to support me as a younger teammate at Seymour High School. He was very competitive and tough as an athlete but had a very kind soul. Although we had not been in touch very much since our high school days, I did follow his successes over the years at Seymour High as a football and baseball coach. From what I have heard from others, he has certainly left a lasting impression on all those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Bob. I hope that you find comfort in your memories of Bob and strength from your faith in God. My prayers are with you all. God bless, Tom

  15. Paul Burnell Aug 10, 2020 at 7:58 pm

    I was proud and privileged to call you coach. You were impactful both on and off the field. You will be missed but forever remembered for the man you were and the men you molded! Much love and respect Coach

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