Robert D. Keller, Jr., 69, of Allentown, PA., left this world peacefully on Feb. 5, 2024, but not before first sharing his love, smiles, and witty humor with everyone fortunate enough to be in his presence. Robert was a man rich in friendship and love for close friends and strangers alike. It was impossible to meet Robert and not be drawn in by his gentle smile and the kindness he exuded.
He was born on Dec. 27, 1954, in Colorado Springs, CO, to the late Robert D. Keller, Sr. and Rose Marie. He attended Wilson High School and remained close friends with many of his classmates. After graduation and for the next 44 years, Bob had a colorful career at the “Big Red Place” where he was a highly admired Supervisor, amassing several notable accomplishments including the development of a Super Fe26 Oxide that allows objects to adhere to non-stick pans. Bob could fix just about anything, and his skill contributed to his collection of unique inventions and accomplishments. He used his experience working with high pressure stream boilers to invent a portable steam bucket. The vacuum jacketed steam bucket required zero energy and allowed effortless transport of small quantities of steam, becoming very popular with cleaning crews, and could be used as a green alternative to traditional cleaning products and sanitizers.
With over 20-years of experience in Water Treatment, Bob had a simple, but effective method, to map out the convection currents at a local holding pond. He found that if he placed an inflatable dolphin in the pond, it would begin to rock back and forth as it approached an area where cool molecules would sink, and warm molecules would rise. This would later be known as the “Delphinidae Bob Test”. Bob was also instrumental in the development of a material to block the effects of radiation decay on solar arrays used in space. The first test satellite with this technology has been broadcasting a special “BOB Day” message every third Wednesday of June, since its inception.
Many of Bob’s closest friends did not know that he had an amazing operatic tenor voice. He traveled frequently to perform the National Anthem at sporting events across the country. His grandkids would frequently call him by his nickname, “Mr. Palazzo.” A modest man, he was secretly most proud when the Queen invited him to sing at one of her jubilees. Never missing an opportunity to bring smiles to others, he graciously accepted, and sang the Major-General’s song, while juggling.
In 2021, at the young age of 66 Bob became a college graduate, earning his Bachelor’s degree in business administration at Muhlenberg College. He was beloved by the students and faculty, and proudly graduated with a GPA of 3.93, with Distinction, and named to the 2019-2021 Dean’s List. His time at Muhlenberg fostered his love of writing and he penned a fictional novel and started another before his passing.
Bob is deeply missed. He was an amazing and devoted father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his two sons, Eric and Joshua; brother Richard; sister Robin and two grandchildren Nathan and Natalie. In lieu of flowers or donations, Bob would like everyone who is reading his obituary to smile and to do something kind for someone else. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Sharon
February 29, 2024 at 6:50 pm
Eric and Tracy, my sincere sympathies to you and your family.
May Bob swim with a dolphins and sing with the Queen.
His juggling will be missed, but most of all…he is missed.
Everyday is now Bob Day..
Gordon Pensyl
March 7, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Bob was a great friend and worker, after starting work shortly after me, we came up with our daily joke.if we passed each other we had to tell a joke. This went on for several years. My condolences to the family, he will be missed.
Mike Eisenhard
March 7, 2024 at 8:02 pm
Bob and I were best friends in grade school and into high school. We formed our first “rock and roll” band together in 7th grade. I have so many great memories of the crazy things we did when we were kids. We lost touch after high school when I moved out of state. A few years ago we reconnected and were able to spend some time together when I was in PA visiting family or he was in California visiting his son Eric. We recently moved back to PA, and I’m blessed to have been able to visit Bob in the hospital a few days before he passed. I had no idea of all the amazing things he accomplished in his life. But I can definitely picture him singing and juggling for the Queen and having a ball doing it! I and everyone who knew him will miss him dearly. RIP Bob – You made everyone you met here in this world smile and laugh. That is the best epitaph anyone can hope for!
My prayers and condolences to Eric and Tracy and the rest of his family.
Charley M.
March 7, 2024 at 8:23 pm
I remembered Bob for his antics in the halls of WHS and hadn’t seen him for a few decades. One day while standing in line at the refreshment Stand at Jacktown I heard a familiar voice conversing behind me. Not sure why it was familiar I turned around and recognized Bob, or I should say he recognized me first. We were able to do a brief catching up with each other. A few years later we got to work together, along with our other former classmate Kyle, when planning and organizing a few class “reunion” get togethers. Bob’s modesty was still in effect since, while sometimes sharing work stories, he never mentioned any of these impressive accomplishments! What I do remember most though was his story about running into Mrs. Smickle one day and conversing with her and how he apologized to her for his behavior in his class (something that many of us probably could have done as well) Well done Bob, RIP!
Maryann (Chavar) Liles
March 8, 2024 at 11:43 am
Bob always had a way of making me laugh… even on a serious topic. He was fun to be around in high school, and I was fortunate to run into him over the years. For many years I had an antique shop at a place in Allentown. Bob would stop in to visit and I would still be laughing about something he said hours after he left. He was always kind to me and made a point of always seeking me out if he knew I was around when he came browsing at my shop. I read his obituary, and true to form he made me laugh over and over again. I would bet my money on the fact that he was the author! Rest in Peace Bob… made the angels laugh til they cry and maybe we will run into each other once again sometime in the future. My condolences to his friend and family.
Tracy Keller
March 8, 2024 at 12:32 pm
My father-in-law was my second father. From the day I met him, he provided love, wisdom, and hours upon hours of laughter. The only thing luckier in my life than knowing Bob, is knowing his honorable, loving son Eric, my husband. Eric carries Bob’s legacy onward, and for that, Bob was always so proud. Eric once asked me what made Bob so special and I told him “He never had a cross word, never dwelled on the past or misfortunes. Bob always smiled.” Such a rare gift that this world had. I miss him terribly. But to see everyone’s words about him and to see the love that surrounded him, is a testament to the true person he was and how genuine his soul was. I grieve with you friends.
Tara George
March 9, 2024 at 2:47 pm
I was in a writing group with Bob for a short time. I will never forget how welcoming and approachable he was. He was just so very kind and humble. I am also a Muhlenberg alum and was pleased to see Bob at one of the birding expeditions that they have during Alumni Weekend. Again, he was just so kind when we met each other in person after seeing each other in Zoom writing meetings. I love the love he had for writing. My heart hurt when I found out that he had died. Sending so much love and light!
Charles French
March 9, 2024 at 7:17 pm
I met Bob first as my student at Muhlenberg College. He excelled in his studies and showed curiosity and dedication in earning his B.A. Then we became friends and met for breakfast every 2-3 weeks, during which we talked about almost everything and explored many places in this area. He then committed to being a writer and joined the writing group I host. Bob finished a novel and was working on another.
More than all of that, we was my friend, and I miss him and will continue to miss him.
I send my condolences to his family and friends.
R.I.P. Bob
Liz Gauffreau
March 9, 2024 at 8:04 pm
I met Bob in Charles French’s writers’ group. Although I knew him only a short time, I miss him. He was warm and genuine and told the best stories! Meetings just aren’t the same without him. I offer his family my heartfelt condolences.
Robbie Cheadle
March 10, 2024 at 10:16 am
I was fortunate enough to meet Bob on-line through a writing group we both attended every few weeks. I heard Bob reading portions of his entertaining and humorous book and we discussed his writing goals and aspirations. Bob was a lovely and kind person and he is sorely missed by this friend in far away South Africa.
Merrill Fennell
March 24, 2024 at 6:51 am
Bob you’re going to be missed but you will always be in my thoughts thank you for those heart-to-heart talks. My condolences to your family