Robert Joseph Chelini
Robert Joseph Chelini
Port Ludlow, Wash.
July 10, 1925 - May 20, 2017
Resident of Port Ludlow, peacefully passed away on May 20, 2017 in Bellevue, WA. Bob was born in Butte, Montana on July 10, 1925. After attending Montana State University, Bob went to work for the Anaconda Company. He was a mining superintendent over one of the largest mines in Butte until 1975, when his career path took him to Redmond, Washington to work for the Federal Government as an investigator for mining security and accidents.
Bob was a decorated Marine in World War II, where he proudly served his country for four years. Shortly after he left the service, he rekindled his grade school friendship with Clara Keay Chelini and married her in 1944.
Bob enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, hiking and boating. He was a member of the Seattle Yacht Club where he enjoyed boating in the beautiful Northwest and staying at the SYC outstations with many friends he met along the way.
Bob and Keay retired in Port Ludlow in 1991, where he enjoyed golfing with his friends from the Port Ludlow Community. Bob was also an avid gardener and was known for his creativity in his yard.
Bob will be missed for his fun spirit, his love of life, his big grin and his kindness to always help other people.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Clara Keay in 2015. He is survived by his daughters Bonnie Chelini of Bellevue, WA and Lori (husband Bill) McDaniels of Maple Valley, WA. He is also survived by his granddaughter Keaylene (husband Tristan) Carisino and their sons Luca and Marco.
Robert’s Committal service with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Marines Corps is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2017 at Tahoma National Cemetery 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042-4868.
Friends are invited to share memories and view photos on the family’s web page at: www.flintofts.com.
