Obituary of John Kelly

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to either: Autism Speaks Organization 1060 State Rd Princeton NJ 08540 (609) 228-7310 donate@autismspeaks.org American Heart Association PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005 (800) AHA-USA1 https://donate.heart.org John Gabriel Kelly, 87, died Sunday, May 25, surrounded by his wife and loving family. A passionate story teller who took great joy in entertaining his audience, John had the ability to charm and utterly captivate everyone with his humor, kindness and generosity. He lit up our lives and blessed us with insightful words of wisdom and many moments of laughter. Born in North Bergen, NJ, John was predeceased by his parents, Christopher and Gertrude Kelly and brother Christopher. After graduating from Xavier High School in NYC John proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and made his way through the evening division of law school by working the counter at Schrafft's. John received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, NYC. John worked for Mutual Life Insurance Co. as Attorney, Assistant Counsel, Associate Counsel, V.P. for Public Relations from 1953-1978 and then for US Life Corporation as Senior V.P.-Corporate Affairs and Human Resources until his retirement in 1996. John was married to his beloved wife and best friend, Dolores Kelly (Nee Dennis), for 64 years. He was the loving father of his 11 children: Mary Pat (Douglas Franklin), John (Lisa Blaufuss), Peter (Kathleen Kelly), Chris (Susan Lennon), Betty Ann (Steve Jandoli), Tom (Mary Ellen Kelly), Susan (Jim Wason), Margaret, Katherine (Tom Kelly), Jean Marie, and Patricia (Clark Coley). He is the cherished grandfather of 18 grandchildren: Michael, Nicholas, Maura, Jacqueline, Marisa, Matthew, Samantha, Thomas John, Colleen, Grace, Kristine, Caroline, Thomas Gabriel, Mark, Emma, Ciera, Madeline and Delilah.