Kerney Robert Pelfrey, 64, of Zephyrhills, FL, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice Care in The Villages, FL.

He was lovingly known as Dad to his children, Papa Rob to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kern or Rob to his best friends, and Robbie to his sisters and extended Pelfrey family.

Kerney was the youngest of six children, born at home on November 21, 1960 in Burlington, KY to Kerney O. Pelfrey, Jr. and Alice M. Oliver Pelfrey who preceded him in death. His young years were idyllically spent roaming the woods around their home in Kentucky, playing with neighborhood friends, and playing baseball.

Kerney's father retired to Zephyrhills when Kerney was in high school. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School with the class of 1978, Kerney set out to find work he enjoyed and eventually was hired by the City of Zephyrhills where he devoted 35 years to serving the community he called home. He loved his job and enjoyed the camaraderie of his co-workers.

He learned to fish as a boy and that became his favorite thing to do from then on. Some of the best times were spent fishing with his children and grandchildren. He loved to go to the Delacado Motel in Treasure Island for fishing getaways, especially with his good friend, Dondi Ward. Many of his other family and friends shared those times with him, too.

Kerney had a ready smile and a great sense of humor. He had a big heart that was willing to help anyone who needed it.

Kerney is survived by his two sons, Brian J. Hussey, Jr. (Tiffany) and their four children, Skylyn Southerland (Dalton), Arianna Miller, Landon Hussey, and Seanna Hussey all of Zephyrhills FL; Jason Pelfrey (Arianna Bennett) and his two sons, Logan and Andrew Pelfrey, of Riverview, FL; his daughter, Victoria Pelfrey-Rosario (Isaac) of Tampa; two great-grandchildren, Cayson and Braelynn Southerland as well as two more great-grandchildren due later this year; five sisters, Karen Fox (Bill) of Union, KY, Judy Newton (Jim) of Wagoner, OK, Phyllis Pelfrey of Woodstock, GA, Jan Cox (Jerry) of Elsmere, KY, and Debbie King (Arthur) of Tulsa, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kerney is also survived by some very special friends who were near and dear to him, Larry and Tracey Barnes of The Villages and Lenny St Onge of Zephyrhills; they will always be family.

Kerney also had a special canine friend, Pongo, who provided him with entertainment and companionship for many years and now has been adopted by another loving family member.

Kerney will be greatly missed but he left us many wonderful memories to comfort us and make us smile and he will always be remembered with so much love.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, FL followed by a Celebration of Life at noon in the Church Social Hall across the street.

Kerney's ashes will be interred in Boone County, KY at a later date.