Kevin J. Kelly

Kevin J. Kelly Chili: Went to be with the Lord, Friday, October 4, 2024. Predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Anne and brother Raymond. Survived by children: Sean (Marjorie), Brian (Colleen), Kevin (Cindy), Dan (Sara), Michael (Andrea), Beth (Mike) Letters, Timothy, and Erin (Chris) Amesbury; grandchildren: Emily (Dominic), Lauren, Luke, Vivianne (Jack), Matthew, Clare (JT), Cecilia, Maire, Grace, Meghan, Dylan, Evan, Abigail, Julia (Tim), Hannah, Ben (Eliza), Sean (Megan), Brigid (Christian), Danny, Jessie, Emma, Olivia, Andrew, Liam, Rien, Kait, Margaret, Christopher, Evelyn, Allison; great grandchildren: Patricio, Lucy, John Paul, Theo, Mary, Peter and 3 expected great grandchildren; Sister: Patricia (Frank) Dardiz and Brother-in Law: Paul (Betsy) Lazarek, Sister in Law Marilynne, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends, including life-long friends Tom and Carol Murtha. Kevin was a man of deep faith and longed for his reward in heaven and to be reunited with the love of his life, Anne. Kevin grew up in Queens Village, attended Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Augustine High School, and then St. John’s University until moving to Rochester, NY where he continued courses at the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kevin has fond memories of playing games with neighborhood friends, especially stoopball. He was an avid sports fan his whole life, and a devoted fan of St. John’s Red Storm and the NY Mets. He loved attending Rangers and Dodgers games. Kevin recalls some of his first dates with Anne going bowling, and watching Rangers games on his basement TV. While he didn’t make the St. John’s baseball team, he found ways to stay competitive from the Kodak softball league to front yard volleyball with his kids. Kevin loved golf and relished his time on the course. He especially enjoyed the annual Bucks No Does tournament with his sons. While raising his kids, Kevin worked diligently at Kodak in the Sales and Marketing Department. After leaving Kodak in the mid 90s, he enjoyed his time with the Downtown Rochester City Guides. In the evenings his kids can recall his echoing belly laugh that could be heard all over the house when watching his favorite shows, MASH in particular. He could often be found in his Lay-Z-Boy doing his crossword, eating Anne’s famous Jello Pops (Ice Pops to him), or enjoying his favorite black raspberry ice cream. Kevin had an exuberance for food and loved his wife’s cooking. Kevin was as authentic as they come, never spoke a bad word about another. He loved meeting people and a conversation, with a quick smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was a strong leader to his eight children, teaching them to love Jesus and one another, and to always do what was right and good. He placed much value on a strong Catholic education for all his kids. He carried this on with his grandchildren and was chosen by several to be their confirmation sponsor. He was enthusiastic supporter of all his grandkids, attending their sporting events, dance recitals, theater productions, music concerts, etc. He showed each of the 30 grandchildren his love and so enjoyed them. They loved his playfulness, fun sense of humor, and easy going attitude. His favorite place on earth was Beach Lake, Pennsylvania where he visited for more than 70 summers and where his whole family vacationed together every year. It’s a special place where he made memories first with his parents and siblings and then his children, grandchildren, and eventually his great grandchildren. Some say Kevin was a man with nine lives. After suffering a stroke in 2017, quadruple bypass in 2020, and various falls and hospital visits, he seemed to defy death. Losing Anne was the first tragedy he struggled to overcome. Knowing they’re together again brings us all solace and comfort. Kevin’s family is especially grateful to his daughter Erin, her husband Chris, and their four children for taking care of him for 18 months after Anne’s death, their selflessness is a gift and lesson to all. Family and friends may call Tuesday, October 8th from 4-7pm at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Mass Wednesday 12:30pm at St. Pius Tenth Church, 3000 Chili Ave. Rochester, NY 14624. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Pius the Tenth Church or School of the Holy Childhood.