Robert George Shelly - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Robert George Shelly

Born March 23, 1936

Robert George Shelly, 81, of Middletown, Delaware, died on Saturday, August 5, 2017, in Christiana Hospital.

Bobby was born on March 23, 1936, in Wilmington to the late William and Cleo Romain (Fillmore) Shelly. He attended P.S. duPont High School and after serving in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and M.P. with the 82nd Airborne Division, he opened Robert’s Hairstyling Salon in 1959. His career as a hairstylist spanned nearly 39 years until he retired in 2008, and closed his salon on Philadelphia Pike.

Bobby married Sandra Clark on August 4, 1956, and together they raised five children in Wilmington before settling in Middletown. They cruised to many destinations including the Mediterranean, their most memorable, and also traveled to Texas and Las Vegas. Bobby loved spending summers with family and friends at the Delaware beaches and Stone Harbor. He was an avid reader and attentive grandfather, who in his retirement took considerable care of his boys, Trevor and Jacob. Until the end, Bobby was wise and witty, and always on cue with his sense of humor and relentless curiosity.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra; children, Cindy S. McDaniel, Bret D. Shelly (Gina), Bart R. Shelly (Oanh) all of Wilmington, Linda S. Buchwald (George) of Lewes, and Brad M. Shelly of Clayton; siblings, Audrey Appleton of Wilmington, Walter (Linda) Shelly of Canyon, TX, Ronald Shelly (Carol) of Wilmington, Carlyn Bailey (Gary) of Rehoboth Beach; 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Friday, August 11, 2017, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bobby’s name may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, c/o Christiana Care, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899.

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7 Condolences for Robert George Shelly

  • My heart is deeply sadden by this news I spent many of days in Mr Shelly garage working on cars with his son Brad he was always there to help if you needed it always around for a ride to the mall or skating rink always had a good story for us he will be missed God bless my prayers of love and strength will be sent with fond memories and good times love to all of the Shelly family. Dave and melinda Fitzgerald

  • I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my wonderful, sweet, and funny Uncle Bobby. I want to express my deepest condolences to my Aunt Sandy, my aunts and uncles, and my cousins.We will not be able to attend the funeral, but Charlotte and I will be there in spirit, and all of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.May God be with you in your time of sorrow. Kim Shelly

  • Mrs. Shelly and Family , we are so sorry for your loss . We are lucky to have known such a wonderful man ! Keeping you in our thoughts and close to our hearts during this difficult time . John Moore and Elana

  • Dear Aunt Sandy,

    I am so sorry for the Greatest loss of your life.

    I will be with you Friday morning.

    I Love You.

    Your niece,

    Susan Shelly

  • We were so sorry to hear the news. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Eryn, Bryan, Andrew and Caroline Travis.

  • Dear Sandy and family,
    We will not be there physically this morning, but we will be there in spirit. We will stop and remember and celebrate Bobby’s life. His spirit was contagious – his humor, laughter, and attitude. He was a good man. The times we were blessed to spend with you will always be special. Today he leaves a hole in our hearts, as I know he does yours. May you feel God’s presence, His love, and His peace. We love you all

  • Bret and family,
    I’m very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your memories will keep a piece of him with you always.