Weekend house fire claims man’s life

November 02, 2021
by Sean Dunlap
A residential structure fire on South Walnut Street in Meadville on Saturday night resulted in the death of former long-time educator and Meadville Alderman Bobby Kelly. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office were looking into the exact the cause of the blaze, which firefighters worked into the night to extinguish. The house was gutted by the fire and no injuries were reported among first responders. A residential structure fire on South Walnut Street in Meadville on Saturday night resulted in the death of former long-time educator and Meadville Alderman Bobby Kelly. Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office were looking into the exact the cause of the blaze, which firefighters worked into the night to extinguish. The house was gutted by the fire and no injuries were reported among first responders.

A residential structure fire on South Walnut Street in Meadville Saturday evening claimed the life of a former veteran educator and town alderman.

Authorities said 71-year-old Bobby Kelly appeared to have suffered from smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze, which consumed much of the brick structure.

Kelly was best known for his role as an agricultural educator in the Franklin County public school system and continued his role in public service as a member of the Meadville Board of Aldermen.

Firefighters from throughout the area responded to the blaze with the State Fire Marshal’s office visiting the site and looking into the exact cause of the fire.

Kelly, who was a native of Raleigh, spent 31 years of his life as an agriculture teacher and adviser to the local Future Farmers of America chapter.

His family said Kelly enjoyed fox and coyote hunting, and cherished his time as a leader in the community and his church, Meadville Baptist.

A private, family service for Kelly will be held in Smith County and donations in his memory should be made to Meadville Baptist Church or to Gideon’s International.





%> "