Robert E. Jolly

Robert E. Jolly died peacefully October 8, 2019 at the Country House in Wilmington at the age of 99. Bob was born in Clifton Park, New York to Robert C. and Helen P. Jolly. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1942 with a degree in chemistry and married Roberta (Bobbie) Hay in October of that year. They would have celebrated 77 years of marriage on October 10.

In 1942 Bob joined the DuPont Company and he and Bobbie lived in Joliet, IL, Oak Ridge, TN and Richland, WA before moving to Wilmington in 1945. Bob participated in numerous organizations and programs including the Silverside Church, the Boy Scouts, Naamans Little League and the PTA’s at his children’s schools. He volunteered at Meals on Wheels, participated in numerous boards at Silverside Church and was active in the Community Transportation Service which provided rides for people in need of transportation. He was an accomplished musician who played saxophone with The Rhythm Doctors, a musical group that championed swing music and “the big band sound”, sang in the choir at Silverside Church and played in community bands.

Following their respective retirements in 1982, Bobbie from The Tatnall School, and Bob from DuPont, Bob and Bobbie traveled, golfed, continued their volunteer activities and were very involved with their adult children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob is survived by his beloved wife and by his sons, Richard T. Jolly and Roger W. Jolly and his daughter Marilyn H. Jolly and their spouses. He also leaves three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Phyllis Burley and the staff at Home Instead and the staffs at Country House and Vitas Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Bob. A memorial service will be held at Country House on October 26 at 2 PM with a reception to follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bob’s honor can be sent to Silverside Church Music Fund, 2800 Silverside Road, Wilmington, DE 19810 or a charity of choice.