Robert Murray Shelly

Robert Murray Shelly, MD Of New Milford, PA Robert Murray Shelly, MD, 96, of New Milford, PA and Palm Coast, FL, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at home after a decline in his health. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, on October 28, 1915 to the late William Dayton and Elsa Murray Shelly. He was predeceased by his first wife, Florence, his sisters Ann and Elizabeth and son W. Dayton Shelly, MD. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children; daughter Katherine Shelly and Edward Cameron, Ararat Township, PA, son Arthur and Deborah Shelly, Thompson, PA, daughter Jane Shelly, Stanford, CT, daughter-in-law; Dianne Shelly, Tunkhannock, PA, two step-daughters Anita and David Sexton, Deposit, NY and Marcia Vandenbush, Rochester, NY, 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Robert was a graduate from Penn Charter School, the University of Pennsylvania and University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He served in the US Navy during WWII and saw action in the Pacific as a Navy doctor attached to the Marines. After he returned he was on staff at Abington and St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Robert moved to Thompson, PA in 1962, where he took over Dr. Stevens’ general practice. He and Florence worked to finance and help build Barnes Kasson County Hospital, establish outreach clinics for women, youth and the poor. He was instrumental in establishing River Bounty, partnering the Hospital, Susquehanna and Oakland Boroughs to refurbish the hydro-electric works on the dam on the Susquehanna between the boroughs, furnishing electricity for the area and funding for community projects. The Shelly’s hosted numerous young doctors in an effort to bring them into the medical community and brought several to Barnes Hospital. Robert was chief of staff and served on the hospitals board. The Shelly’s created a Tree Farm and donated the parcel now known as the Florence Shelly Preserve of The Nature Conservancy in Thompson Township. After retiring, he spent many years in Florida where he became a Master Gardener and volunteered with the Parks Department. He was also a leader in the Palm Coast Garden Club. Robert was a devoted and loving family man who will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012, at 2pm, at the Hennessey’s Funeral Home, 747 Jackson Ave., Susquehanna, PA with Pastor Edward Cameron officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, March 12, from 11am to 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barnes Kasson Hospital, 2872 Turnpike Street, Susquehanna, PA or the Florence Shelly Preserve C/O Kathy Cameron 903 Ridge Road Thompson, Pa. 18465.