Obituary of Robert McKelvey

Robert McKelvey, Jr. of State College, Pa. died Monday, June 25, 2012. Born January 7, 1934 in Wilmington, De, Bob married his Montclair, N.J. high school sweetheart, Ms. Jean O'Brien, in 1956. He graduated with a degree in engineering from Lehigh University, and worked as a manager for Ma Bell (now Verizon) for 34 years. He and his wife raised four kids in Swarthmore, Pa a place Bob returned to every year for the fourth of July parade. He is survived by his children Lynn McKelvey and husband Glenn Dickter of Santa Fe, N.M.; Judy McKelvey of State College, Pa.; Bill and Kathy McKelvey of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Sue McKelvey and husband John Eckert of Santa Fe, N.M. His grandchildren are Corey, Max, and Jessie Dickter, Jacy and Kira Marshall-McKelvey, Kimberly and husband James Therrien, Michael McKelvey, Ashley Gase, Keene Eckert, and Emily and Gabe Markwiese. His sister Collie Barwick lives in Lewes, De. Bob loved living in his Park Forest neighborhood. He was a regular walker at Tudek Park and the Boalsburg Military Museum grounds, where he honored fallen veterans on a daily basis. Proud to have served in the Army from 1957 to 1962, Bob continued to express his respect for history and country by studying and visiting major battlefields in the tri-state area and on road trips to Santa Fe all throughout his life. On most Friday nights you could find Bob in front of his fireplace encircled by family and friends, listening to the local jazz show and talking about literature, economics, and global politics. A born storyteller with a zest for life, Bob regaled everyone with his gleeful tales of physical derring-do. He was last seen dancing with grace and flair while celebrating Saint Patty's Day this past March with beloved friends. Bob was a generous man who believed in giving "until it hurts" to various organizations. He was nevertheless astonished and moved by the kindness of volunteers from our local American Cancer Society. Contributions to the State College chapter of the ACS can be sent to 123 South Sparks Street, State College, PA 16801. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.