With cherished memories and deep love, the family of Robert Gordon "Bob" Kennelley announce his peaceful passing at age 100 on Tuesday, 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, FL.
Bob was born in Dunkirk on April 9, 1926 to James and Emma Schlining-Kennelley, and was one of eight siblings. At the age of five, 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 World War II, 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 World War II.
Bob married Shirley McGonegal in 1950, and they were together for 48 years, making their home in Sinclairville 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 and Clearwater, FL until permanently residing in Cassadaga and finally at Hultquist Place on the Lutheran Campus in Jamestown.
Bob and Grace were members of the Safety Harbor Presbyterian Church in Florida and Pleasant Valey Church in Kabob. 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 New York 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 brothers, James, Charles (Chuck), William (Bill) and Roland (Rollie); sisters, Dorothy Burgess, Emily Saddler and Mary Callahan. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Grace of 27 years of marriage; son, Robert (Julie Pierce); daughters, Gail Hornsby (Ed), Rae Ann Crandall, Rita Pendland and Susan Kennelley; a stepson, Rudy Abersold; 30 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 22 at 2:00 PM at Christ Chapel on the Lutheran Campus in Jamestown. An inurnment graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 24 at 1:30 PM at the Cassadaga Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Cassadaga American Legion.
Though we grieve the loss, we celebrate a life full of love and kindness, an honest hardworking man whose life was not marked by grand achievements but by a family who loved him dearly. Loved forever and never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cassadaga American Legion.
Arrangements are being handled by the Jordan Funeral Home, 6 Parkway Drive in Sinclairville.
