Dr. Charles Kelsey

Dr. Charles Andrew Kelsey passed away January 24, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born July 9, 1935 in
Norfolk, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hadley and Helen Kelsey, and his brother David
Kelsey. He is survived by his loving wife Judith of 62 years, his children James and his wife Janet Kelsey of
Albuquerque, NM; Robert and his wife Laurel Kelsey of St. Augustine, FL; Kathleen Sharkey and her
husband Kevin of Houston, TX; and Cynthia Kelsey and partner Jeff Ricci of Albuquerque, NM; and his
grandchildren Bailey Knight and her husband Clay; Ryan and Garner Wolfe; Liam, Dylan, Ryan, and Aidan
Sharkey; and Nina, Hannah, Mimi, and Ian Kelsey; and great-grandchild Arthur Knight. He is also survived
by sister-in-law Georgia Simeri, niece Elizabeth Willet, and nephews Thomas and Kevin Kelsey.
Chuck was a good husband and father to his family. He graduated from St. Edwards University in Austin,
TX and received his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Notre Dame. He was Professor of
Radiology and Physics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison before joining the University of New
Mexico in 1975, where he was professor of Radiology and Physics until his retirement in 2002. Chuck
was a lively and stimulating teacher at all levels of education. He was also a dedicated researcher and
published over 140 peer-reviewed papers and three textbooks during his lifetime. Dr. Kelsey was a
fellow of the American College of Radiology and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine.
Chuck was also a lifelong woodworker. In that capacity, he repaired and restored furniture for Judy's
antique shop. After retirement, he took up clock and furniture restoration as a hobby. He served as
Secretary for the Zia Sundialers clock club, the Roadrunner Glass and Collectables club, and the Bear
Canyon Neighborhood Association. He was active in the Risen Savior parish in Albuquerque and sang in
the 7 am choir. Chuck was an engaging storyteller, who loved to entertain and share his knowledge with
his students, family, and many friends.
His ashes will be interred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The family requests donations be made to the
Albuquerque Assistance League or the American Heart Association in lieu of flowers.
In 2016, Chuck and Judy moved to St. Augustine Florida and became residents of Allegro senior living.
Chuck was active in the Allegro community becoming a welcome ambassador, dancing at cocktail hour
and enjoying trivia competitions. Chuck was secretary of the gift giving group which raised funds for
Allegro staff.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 7th, Monday at Allegro St. Augustine.