Robert Kielty, OFM

1908 – 1986

Br. Robert Kielty, OFM, was born on Aug. 2, 1908 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. After graduation from high school, he worked for Northeastern Prudential Insurance and met the friars at St. Joseph Parish, Wilkes-Barre. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1939, professing temporary vows one year later.

The day after he professed temporary vows, he went with his cleric classmates to St. Stephen Friary, Croghan, N.Y., where he worked in the kitchen until 1947. Br. Robert made his solemn profession in 1943. He was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine, Boston, and worked as a cook, sacristan and at the front desk during the early years of the original shrine ministry.

A man without guile, Br. Robert was honest and dependable. He lived and worked in Boston for 30 years before moving to St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg, Fla., where he continued to serve the friar community in various ways. In 1983, he transferred to the Provincial infirmary at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y.

He died there on March 23, 1986. Br. Robert was 77 years old, a professed friar for 45 years.