Frederick C. Kelsey

Frederick Collins Kelsey, 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at Saint Vincent Health Center. He was born in Erie on December 21, 1929 to Dudley and Margaret Short Kelsey. He was a 1948 graduate of Cathedral Prep, and a 1951 graduate of Gannon University with a degree in business. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy on the USS Midway during the Korean War. After the war, he joined the family business, Kelsey Industrial Supplies, where he served as President until his retirement. He was active in the Erie community serving as an usher and member of the Finance Council at St. Peter Cathedral; Secretary and Treasurer at Saint Mary's Home of Erie; and President of the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania. He was a member of the University Club, the Aviation Club, the Kahkwa Club, and the Erie Maennerchor. He enjoyed golf, photography, and spending time with his family and friends. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Marie Parke Kelsey. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, the love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Quinn Kelsey, whom he met in first grade. He is also survived by his five children, Jane Kelsey and her fiancé Ken Stepherson of Erie, Emily Ingram and her husband Charlie of Fairview, Susan Cresci and her husband Joseph of Longmeadow, Mass., Peggy Glass and her husband Tim of Erie, and Dudley Kelsey and his wife Susanne of Phoenix, Ariz. He is further survived by eight grandchildren, Danny Kelsey, Kelsey and Nicholas Ingram, Thomas, Daniel, and Jack Cresci, Sarah and Nicholas Kelsey, and additional family members Lauren and Sam Glass. Also, he is survived by his beloved sister, Margaret "Peggy" Held and her husband Bob, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his wonderful caregiver, Jeanne Frey, and the medical staff of the ICU Unit at Saint Vincent Health Center. The family wants to particularly thank Dr. Mercado and Debbie Goodwin, RN for their wonderful care. Friends may call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th & Liberty St., on Friday, March 29, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Due to Holy Week, you are invited to attend a Prayer Service there Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter Cathedral celebrated by Msgr. William E. Biebel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Mary's Home of Erie, 607 East 26th Street, Erie, PA 16504, the Sight Center of Northwest Pennsylvania, 2545 West 26th Street, Erie, Pa., or the charity of one's choice.