Robert J. Kezell

Robert Joseph “Bob” Kezell, age 85, passed away from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on March 27, 2022 in his home in Claymont, Delaware with his love of 22 years, Patricia Wright and her daughter, Amanda Wright Gibson by his side.

Robert was born the first child of Joseph Leon Kezell and Frances Olympia Boerio on September 1, 1936 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up in nearby Irwin graduating from Sewickley Township High School and from Saint Vincent’s College (1958) in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. His love of animals led him to study veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He did post-doctoral studies modeling dog’s hearts, which led to several years of computer science work at Temple University. He then moved on to practice veterinary medicine first in Pottstown and later in Lebanon, where he owned the Lebanon Valley Animal Hospital and was a regular guest on a local radio station responding to caller’s questions regarding their pets. In the late 60’s and early 70’s some knew Bob as the President of the Philadelphia Grotto of the National Speleological Society where he was known for spending multiple days underground exploring and mapping some of the deepest caves in the western hemisphere.

Robert was predeceased by his parents and his younger sister, Patti Ann Kezell Modrick.  He is survived by his life partner of more than 22 years, Patricia Wright, of Claymont, Delaware and her daughter, Amanda Wright Gibson (Patrick); his first wife, Daryl Zwigart Kezell and their children, Robert Joseph Kezell, Jr. of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Christine Elizabeth Kezell of Gresham, Oregon, David Leon Kezell (Anjanette) of Adkins, Texas, and Cathleen Candida Kezell (Erik Andresen) of State College, Pennsylvania.  He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Shady and Aimee Glenn, Emily and Abigail DeWolfe, Megan, Nathan, and Hailey Kezell; and one great grandchild, Luca Bedross.

Private services will be held at a later date, condolences and reminiscences will be appreciated on this webpage. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a favorite animal shelter, Hilarity for Charity, Accent Care Hospice, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Gebhartfuneralhomes.com

302.798.7726

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