Obituaries
John “Jack” D. Kelly, 90
March 31, 2020
John “Jack” D. Kelly, 90, of Lancaster, PA passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Born in Highland Park, MI, he was the son of the late James D. and Mary (Belcher) Kelly. He was the loving husband of Josephine (Cooper) Kelly for almost 65 years.
Jack lived throughout the Midwest and East Coast while growing up and spent many summers on the Kelly Family Farm in Duntroon, Ontario, Canada. Jack was a first-generation American and was always proud of his Canadian heritage. He graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. He had great stories of growing up there, including selling seat cushions at the Indy 500. Jack was a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and lead a regimental combat team in front-line fighting. He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant at the war’s end in 1953.
Jack was a Store Manager for the G.C. Murphy Company for over 43 years and continued his life of moving, this time from one store location to another. At one of his first assignments, in Elkins, WV, he met the love of his life, the “beautiful, natural platinum-blonde” who would bring him joy every day of his life. Jack’s favorite story to tell was how he met his wife, and it was the last memory to leave him. Jack was involved in numerous civic organizations in the towns he lived in, including Rotary International, Kiwanis, the Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts. He was also a lifelong member of the Kittanning East Brady Masonic Lodge and a member of Willow Street United Church of Christ in Willow Street, PA.
Jack truly mirrored his name, as he was a Jack-of-all-trades: woodworker, plumber, mechanic, upholsterer and handyman. He could build or fix anything. Jack enjoyed putting a smile on everyone’s face by telling jokes and pulling pranks. He always had a mischievous glint in his eye. But most of all, Jack cherished spending time with his family. His kind heart and love of life will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Josephine “Jo”, Jack is survived by his children: James D. Kelly, husband of Carol, of Bloomington, IN; Rev. John D. Kelly of Alexandria, VA; and Janice Wolfe, wife of Darin, of Lancaster; his five granddaughters: Anna and Megan Kelly and Haley, Madison and Claire Wolfe; his brother, Leo Kelly, husband of Judy, of Pulaski, TN as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his siblings, Ted Kelly and Mary Gladden.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at St. Anne Retirement for their amazing and loving care of Jack over the past year. Given the current situation, a private graveside service will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne’s Retirement Community, Benevolent Fund, 3952 Columbia Ave., West Hempfield Township, PA 17512.
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Condolences to the Family
April 14, 2020
Dear Friend / Fr Kelly; Please accept our genuine condolences in this difficult time for your Mom, you and your family. Loss of a Father is a significant loss. We share your pain and are here for you. We feel so blessed that we had a chance to know your Dad. May time heal the sadness that you feel right now. During these tough times, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May Mr. Kelly Rest In Peace.
With love, Aleksa and Jimmy Jackson
April 12, 2020
Dear Father Kelly, So very sorry to know of your Father’s death. You took such good care of him as you do your Mother. You are an example to us all of pure and simple love that makes such a difference in people’s lives. Having read your Father’s obituary, it is very clear where you learned your kind and loving manner that has enhanced all of our lives. God Bless you, Father. Ann Friel.
April 10, 2020
Dear Jo & Family,
We were so sorry to read about Jack. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will always remember the good times we had together. God Bless.
Karl & Carol Guenther
April 10, 2020
Dear Fr. Kelly, Janice and family,
We were so sad to hear this news. How you loved and honored your Dad, made us all love him too. Our prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Much love Joayn and Steve Bahr
April 09, 2020
Father Kelly,
We, the Bernard, Lete, and Destine families present our sympathies to you. We know that it’s harder during this particular circumstance of the pandemic to lose a love one. May God strengthen your family and you, and give Peace to his servant’s soul!
We pray to be able to see you soon at Church or at School God Willing.
For the extended family: Marie Monise Lete Bernard
April 08, 2020
Our prayers and condolences are with the Kelly family. Uncle Jack was a much-loved member of our extended family; Mom & Dad always enjoyed seeing him and Aunt Jo on their trips to Pennsylvania or Ohio or West Virginia and seeing them in Indiana when they were visiting Jim. I have fond memories of his wonderful sense of humor and warm personality. Rest in peace.
Michael & Konni Kelly
April 07, 2020
Dear Fr Kelly, My deepest condolences! You, your mom, and all the Kelly family are in my thoughts & prayers. God bless you all during this sorrowful time. Mary & Tom Dixon, Alexandria VA
April 06, 2020
Dear Jo, Janice, Father John, Jim and families, I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I have such fond memories of Cousin Jack and you Jo when you would come to Canada for visits as well as time spent in Lemoyne when you lived there. Jack was always so upbeat with his great sense of humour and easy way about him. Jack was certainly very proud of his family. We always enjoyed your Christmas newsletters Jo to keep us up to date.
i know you will have many happy memeories and a strong faith to see you though. Sending prayers and love.
Karen (Kelly) and Herb Holmes
April 06, 2020
Father Kelly’s love for his parents is readily apparent and reading this wonderful tribute to his wonderful father explains much of his joy. We are praying for Jack and the entire Kelly family in this time of sorrow. God bless you all.
The Pisano family, Alexandria, Virginia
April 06, 2020
Dear Kelly family. I hope that our Lord brings you and your family the much-needed peace during this sad time. My condolences to you and your family.
Mary Daunais – British Columbia, Canada
descendant of Susanna Kelly Stokes
April 06, 2020
I am so sorry. May your family be lifted up in prayer during this difficult time.
Hope Pennestri
Annapolis MD
April 05, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! He left a beautiful legacy and is now in the arms of God.
prayers and love,
The Zempolich family
April 05, 2020
Fr. Kelly and Kelly family:Our condolences to the entire Kelly family during this time of sorrow. Although we never met Mr. Kelly in person, we feel like we knew him through Fr. Kelly. From reading his obituary, it is obvious that he lived a long, full, useful and loving life, no question about that. Thinking and praying for you during this time.
The Kruska family, Alexandria, Virginia
April 04, 2020
Dear Kelly family- although we never met in person I feel connected as a Kelly descendant. Jack and I share a great grandfather John Kelly and the Kelly facial characteristics are so strong, I probably would have recognized him had we run into each. I will let the other Kelly family descendsnts know about this loss and mt condolences and love to Jack’s family.
Pat Sanagan
April 04, 2020
Deepest Sympathy to you Father Kelly and your dear family.
Mike and Patty Brensy and sons & family
April 03, 2020
Dear Father Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your dad and mom when they would come and visit you at St. Leo’s. Your love for them was more than obvious. I know this time must be very difficult for you, your mom and the entire family. Please know that we are praying for all of you! May God bless you and give you peace of mind and heart.
The Cunninghams -Maria, Chuck, Catie, Billy and Jackie, Ginny and Michael, Jesse, Caroline, Vicky, Jack, Michael, Patrick and Lucy
April 03, 2020
Dear Fr. Kelly,
Our prayers and condolences are with you at the loss of your beloved father. God bless and keep you and your family. The Kuhn Family
April 03, 2020
Dear Fr. Kelly,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your memories will comfort you during this difficult time. Your dad is with our Lord and there will be no suffering. He will know how much he is loved by you and your siblings and your mother. Take care of her! I hope they will let you see her and comfort her in her loss. Blessings, Kathy Coleman
April 03, 2020
Dear Father Kelly
our deepest sympathy for the passing of your father.
Giovanni and Margaret D’Agostino
April 03, 2020
Fr. Kelly,
May the road rise to meet your father in Heaven. He sounded like he was quite a character and his memory will live on. Keeping all of your family in our prayers.
Alan & Kathleen Molloy
April 03, 2020
Dear Father Kelly: As a devoted son you have been attentive to the care of your Mom & Dad through this difficult time for your family, while you have also provided blessings and prayers to so many Catholic families also suffering during difficult times. Thank you for your ministry and be assured that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May your Dad rest in peace. The Giglios
April 03, 2020
Dear John – I am with you in spirit as you bid farewell to your wonderful father. God truly blessed him in many ways. I wish I could be with you to concelebrate the funeral. However, I offered Mass for your father on Wednesday and I hope the grace will be there to comfort all the family. Be assured of my prayers. God bless you…Fr. Mark Moretti
April 03, 2020
Fr. Kelly,
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of your dad. May he be welcomed into God’s loving embrace. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Gary & Jeannette Stoiber
April 03, 2020
My prayer and Mass intention will be in remembrance of this loving husband and father and for comfort for his family and friends. May he rest in Peace.
Julie Lineberry