Robert J. Keller Elmira Heights - Bob who was an avid reader, weatherman, historian, foodie, horticulturist, storyteller, amateur radio operator, NASCAR enthusiast and of course the best political debater you will ever meet, said his last GOOD MORNING COFFEE on July 25, 2021 at the age of 78. His family knew him as the one with the greatest suspenders and someone who always knew the right thing to say, even if it may be wildly inappropriate. He loved everything from politics, to animals, to engines, to plants, to history. Bob was best known for his long, entertaining stories, which he loved to repeat often. Anyone who knew Bob knows he lived many more years of life than the very short 78 the calendar indicates, and he remembered every single moment. Only take five minutes with him and he would teach you something you had no idea you needed to learn. Bob had so many talents that they are too numerous to count, but his intelligence, while apparent early in life, blossomed when he graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1961. He was awarded the NYS Silver Key award for industrial arts, normally given only to adults at the time, and received the 1st place honor. He went on to be honorably discharged from the Navy. Bob worked at Eldridge Park starting at the age of 14 and loved visiting it, even as recently as June. Throughout the years he worked as a machinist at Millbrook Bread until they closed. He also retired from the Star Gazette, where, as a machinist, he was responsible for maintaining and repairing the very complex printing presses and associated machinery necessary to publish a daily newspaper. He was also a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT with West Elmira Fire Department for 10 years. Bob met and made an impact on so many people in his life. He was the admirer of beautiful and "smart" women. His proudest achievement in life was marrying his wife, Penny (Priscilla) Keller who supported him in all his glory during his younger days, and lovingly supported him physically during their last days together. Bob adored his family and will be sorely missed. Along with his wife, Bob is survived by son, Scott Keller of Elmira, New York and daughter Laura (Tom) Mitchell of Ft. Myers, Florida; his grandchildren; Marcus Wood, Brandy Keller, Trevor Lane, Rachelle Hostrander, Eleyna Foss, R.J. Mills, Stephanie Hamilton, Erika Huffman, Paige Huffman, Lexi Huffman, and Justine Huffman and 16 great-grandchildren; he is also survived his brothers Barry (Pat) Keller of Elmira NY; Jay Keller of Vestal NY; sister Joy Keller of Horseheads NY; brother-in-law Richard Pace of Florida; and sister-in-law Donna Wilkins of Canada; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Bessie Keller; brother Alan Keller; son Christopher Keller and mother and father-in-law, Ralph and Ann Smith. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to CareFirst (Hospice) team {specifically Jenny, Liz, Donna, and Arthur), Dr. Tim Baxter who took such wonderful care of Bob during his final few months, and 4D at Arnot Hospital during his final few days.
