Robert E. Keller

United States navy 1943-1946

world war ii

navy unit commendation

navy commendation medal w/ combat v

Bob Keller was born and raised in Enfield, CT. He attended St. Joseph Grammar School and Enfield High School. Throughout his school years, Bob played many sports and participated in several school activities. When he graduated in 1943, he had earned an impressive 13 Varsity letters and had served as the Student Class President.

After his senior year in high school, Bob attended a Class D tryout camp in Holyoke, MA and was invited back for two more days of tryouts. No contract was forthcoming, as all males out of high school were eligible for the Selective Service Draft. Bob chose to enroll in the service.

Bob joined the Navy in the fall of 1943, during World War II. He served as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class in Okinawa, Japan. He received a Navy Unit Commendation and a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V. He left the Navy in the spring of 1946, after the war was over.

Returning to Enfield after the war, Bob had a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers and again was invited to stay all three days. He played for Merrill’s Dodge that summer and was invited back to the Dodgers tryout in the fall. Instead, Bob enrolled at Springfield College to pursue a degree in Education.

Following graduation from Springfield College, Bob became the Physical Director at the Holy Name (Springfield) Social Center. He then moved on as a Physical Education Instructor at Enfield Jr. High School (A.D. Higgins). When Kosciuszko Junior High School opened, he became the coach of freshmen football, basketball, and track.

The opening of a new school (John F. Kennedy Jr. High School) presented new opportunities for Bob. He became a P.E. Instructor and the football, basketball, and track team coach. Bob then worked as the part-time Chairperson for Physical Education and Athletics for Enfield, while continuing to teach. After 3 years his part-time position became full-time and he became the Coordinator of Physical Education, Athletics, and Intramurals for the Enfield Public Schools for the next 8 years.

Retirement from the Enfield School system did not mean retirement, as Bob took the position of Facilitator of Athletics for the Somers (CT) School System. After 10 years Bob retired in 2000.

While Bob was busy with his career, he also furthered his education receiving his Sixth year Certification. He was the Pool Director for Green Manor Pool for 2 years and was the Aquatics Director for the Enfield Parks & Recreation Department for 20 years. He was a member of the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors serving on their board. Bob was inducted into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Connecticut Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2026.

Bob was married to his wife Martha (Barry) Keller for 60 years and raised seven children in Enfield.