Bob Kelley, the former publisher of Irvine-based Kelley Blue Book, died May 28, 2024, at his home in Indian Wells. The longtime Newport Beach resident was 96. who came from a family with deep roots in Southern California’s car culture, died May 28 at his home in Indian Wells. He was 96.
The family business got its start in 1918 when Kelley’s uncle, Les Kelley, launched the Los Angeles car dealership with just three Model T Fords. The eponymous car appraisal business debuted in 1926 and would become the essential guide for used cars across the United States.wrote that Kelley Blue Book was used by nearly all automotive trade, banks, financial institutions and courts of law in the West when establishing the value of cars.
His son-in-law and former KBB editor Charlie Vogelheim said it was Kelley who moved the Blue Book in the late 1970s to Irvine. Kelley, a longtime Newport Beach resident, is survived by his wife of over 50 years Wanda, five children, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and his sister.Ask Amy: I found out my son's friend is my son, too. It hasn't gone well.Dear Abby: My wife says she went to a motel because she was tired.