Robert G. Kennelley
With cherished memories and deep love, the family of Robert Gordon Kennelley (Bob) announce his peaceful passing at age 100, on May 12, 2026 surrounded by the devotion of his family that he so deeply loved. Bob was a lifetime resident of Chautauqua County and Clearwater, Florida.
Bob was born in Dunkirk, NY on April 9, 1926 to James and Emma Schlining-Kennelley, where he was one of eight siblings. At the age of 5, Bob’s father passed in an accident at the Bear Lake/Stockton basket factory. Bob and three of his brothers went to live at the Randolph Children’s home until his mother remarried. Upon his mother’s death at age 48, Bob and his brothers went to live with their sister Emily and Husband Roland Saddler on their farm on Tarbox Road in the town of Arkwright. At the onset of WWII Bob’s two older brothers joined the service and Bob quit High School to work on the family farm but went back later to earn his GED. He joined the Navy at 18 serving in the Atlantic and Pacific during WWII.
Bob married Shirley McGonegal in 1950 and they were together for 48 years making their home in Sinclairville, NY and also Clearwater, FL, raising their five children. After Shirley passed in 1995, Bob married his longtime friend Grace Abersold in 1999. Bob and Grace made their home between Cassadaga, NY and Clearwater, FL until permanently residing in Cassadaga and finally at Hultquist Place on the Lutheran Campus in Jamestown, NY.
Bob and Grace were members of the Safety Harbor Presbyterian Church in Florida and Pleasant Valley Church in Kabob, NY. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post #1280. Bob’s focus in life was providing for his family. He was used to hard work, working at Falconer Agway for 15 years in NY and Toledo Scales until his retirement in Florida. Bob was known for his kindness and love of family. He was also known for his large garden in Sinclairville and selling his sweet corn for 25 cents a dozen!
Bob leaves behind a legacy of 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. To his children, he will always be the patriarch of the Kennelley family.
Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley, after 45 years, his brother, James, sisters, Dorothy Burgess, Emily Saddler, Mary Callahan and brothers, Charles (Chuck), William (Bill) and Roland (Rollie).
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Grace, of 27 years of marriage, son Robert (Rob) (Julie Pierce), daughters Gail Hornsby (Ed), Rae Ann Crandall, Rita Pendland and Susan Kennelley, a stepson Rudy Abersold, his 30 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Christ Chapel on the Lutheran Campus in Jamestown, NY on Friday May 22, 2026 at 2PM.
An inurnment graveside service will be held at the Cassadaga Cemetery on Sunday May 24th, 2026 at 1:30PM with a reception to follow at the Cassadaga American Legion.