Photo courtesy of CLOSED-Harvey Family Funeral Home
Seattle, Washington
Sep 17, 1929 – Feb 19, 2017 (Age 87)
John Albert KELLY
Age 87 of Edmonds, WA passed away on Feb 19th 2017. He died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family. John is preceded in death by his wife, (Dorothy) Jeannie Kelly. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Barb) Kelly; sister, Janet (Gerald) Shaw; three children, Jill (Mark*) Reynolds, Jerry (Kathy) Kelly, Jana (Greg) Bowe; 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Born in Seattle, WA to Robert and Josephine Kelly, John graduated from West Seattle High School and went on to graduate from Seattle University after serving in the US Navy during the Korean War.
John and Jeannie married in 1953 and so began their legacy. John and his father ran Kelly Hardware before buying Pacific Lamp and Supply Co. in 1961. He dedicated his entire life to the family business and was instrumental in lighting Seattle's original skyline.
He devoted 65 years of service to various ministries of the Seattle Archdiocese, was a proud foster parent through CCS, a tremendous supporter of the arts, and a parishioner at Holy Rosary Edmonds for 40 years. John loved his sports and spending time with his lifelong friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity, generosity, kindness and above all, unconditional love for his family.
The family would like to thank John's care giver, Sam for his kindness and companionship over the last two years.
The Funeral will be held Saturday March 11th at 11 AM at
Holy Rosary Church
630 7th Ave N, Edmonds, WA
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation (nwpf.org), Catholic Community Services (CCSWW.org) and/or Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).
Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com
My condolences to your family during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.
February 17, 2018
John Kelly was a true gentleman. Always had the kindest, sincere smile. Will always be grateful for being a part of The Pacific Lamp family. Rest In Peace, John, happily reunited with your love, Jeannie.
March 11, 2017
John had a great smile and was easy to talk to. I loved to make him laugh and talk about family or gardening. A Real Class Act.
TJ Madsen
March 09, 2017 | Des Moines, WA
So sorry for your loss .John was one of the kindest people I have ever known. It was an honor to work for him
Ron Nelson
March 07, 2017 | Shoreline, WA
Will sure miss Christmas Lunch
Bob Entrop
March 06, 2017
I was a troubled teenager when John and Jeannie Kelly took me into their home for awhile. I have been grateful to them for 50 years for the caring and the shelter they provided me. I especially remember some of the talks John had with me. Words of wisdom I needed to hear. I was able to speak with him recently and personally thank him for taking me under his wing. What a truly kind and remarkable man.
Janey Hamilton
March 05, 2017 | Seattle, WA
JOHN AND JEANNIE WERE GREAT AND CONSTANT FRIENDS FOR SIXTY FIVE YEARS.
WE MISS THEM
RON AND PAT WARD
RON WARD
March 05, 2017 | GRAPEVIEW, WA
Jill and family, so sorry to hear about your dad and grandpa. He and Mark watch March Madness together.
March 05, 2017
