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JOEL KELLY Obituary
KELLY, JOEL THOMAS June 7, 1971 to April 2, 2012 Our beloved Joel passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in Oakland, California on April 2nd as a result of cardiac arrest. A La Mesa, California native, he attended Helix High School, and went on to earn a degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He then served as an engineer for the City of Oakland for many years. Joel loved life, music, his family and friends, and was equally loved by all who knew him. He was an accomplished guitarist, and everyone's favorite family member. There are no words powerful enough to describe the depth of our heartache in losing him. He is survived by his parents, Larry and Jane of La Mesa, his brother Larry and sister-in-law, Shannon, of New York, and sisters, Jennifer Kelly, of San Diego, and Shannon Kelly, of La Mesa, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. In keeping with his generous spirit, Joel had requested that his organs be donated. (donatelife.net). In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in his name. Friends are invited to celebrate Joel's life with us on Wednesday, April 11th, 1 to 6 p.m. at Mission Bay Yacht Club, 1215 El Carmel Pl., San Diego, Calif., and at a later date in Oakland.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOEL KELLY
Sara Christine Bongiorni
March 31, 2025
I think of Joel often and will always associate him with the happiest memories of my La Mesa childhood, in which he and all the Kellys have always played such a big part.
Albert Suarez
October 4, 2022
Joel,
I miss you so much. I think of you every time I see live music or go see baseball. I miss you.
Sara Bongiorni
March 31, 2022
I think of Joel often, and every time it makes me smile. What a wonderful, happy person he was. It's hard to believe that 10 years have gone by. Sending love to his beautiful famliy. xoxo, sb
Ronald Matthews
April 20, 2021
Joel Kelly was My Friend and Musical Ally, who I Loved as such, and Miss.
Joel as a Gemini on Guitar His Style and Abilities were Top Notch!!
I Miss Performing with My Gemini Friend & Brother My Birthday is June 15th His June 7th Us both being Gemini's We would call on Birthdays. My Brother from Another Mother!!
Susan Perkins
April 1, 2021
So much love going out to all the Kelly family. I feel grateful today to have known Joel in this life, but am always sad he had to leave the party so soon.
christine schmidt
April 2, 2020
Few have touched so many in such ways as you have, Joel. Always loving you- Christine
Geo
April 1, 2020
Hey Joel I guess you Are looking down here and shaking your head as to what is going on And right about now I would think youre happy up there where it is safe believe me buddy I am happy you are safe. Anyway enough about that. As always not a day goes by where I dont think of you and I miss you so much little brother.
christine schmidt
August 25, 2019
...never to be forgotten. The grief is profound. love you, Joel....
Susan Perkins
April 2, 2019
I notice the things that remind me of Joel....the wisterias blooming on Tia Maria, a profile of a musician who has or had a beautiful soul, a basketball game in a big arena and of course, his beloved parents and siblings, family and friends. It is not possible to ever really forget him for very long. Sending comfort and peace to the Kelly family today and every day.
April 2, 2019
I notice the things that remind me of Joel....the wisterias in bloom on Tia Maria, profiles of musicians who have or had a beautiful soul, basketball games at big arenas. And of course his beloved parents and siblings and family and friends. It's impossible to ever forget Joel Kelly.
Geo Starr
April 1, 2019
I don't really know what to say that I have not already said. Joel ,"Jammin Joel" ,my little brother there is not a day that goes by and I don't think of you at some point in it. I really miss creating and playing music together . I miss watching football together. I miss going to concerts together, thank you so much for turning me on to artist that I probably wouldn't have gone to see on my own. You had a nack for knowing just what artist I would like. I miss your cooking and I bet you miss my cooking too. I could go on and on , but I will stop her and just simply say. I miss you and you will forever be in my thoughts and heart. If you see my mom up there be sure to tell her I really miss her.
Peace little brother
Geo
Sara Bongiorni
April 1, 2019
Joel remains very much on my mind. He was a wonderful person and a joy to know. All us Hellbergs are grateful to have known him. xoxoxo
Jane Kelly
March 31, 2019
Dearest Joel-We remember and miss you every single day. You brought light and joy into all of our lives, and you made everyone who knew and loved you a happier and better person. We look forward to the day we'll all be together again. Love you beyond words-and beyond this universe, dear son.
Al Suarez
August 9, 2013
Joel,
I will miss you very much.
June 7, 2013
Thinking of you, Joel, today on your birthday. Sending loving thoughts and comfort to the Kelly family. He is always in our hearts and thoughts.
Suzy
May 2, 2013
I have read the guest book often over the past year, and each time I am reminded of how many people love Joel. Still hard to fathom that he is not with us. He is still so loved and will never be forgotten. Thinking of all the Kellys with love. Sara B.
May 1, 2013
I be thinking bout my guitar playing homie from time to time. i know tho,he's where we all must ultimately go. God bless Joel.....
Johnny Tomson
May 1, 2013
Although you left your body here on earth....your spirit transcended the greatest journey of all. You are now truly at home with all that you love and nothing can bring you down anymore. May your eternal flame of orginality and who and what you stand for ...never be forgotten. One day we will all cross the great divide and be reunited with our kindred spirits. Never forget where the flame comes from.
Johnny Tomson
May 1, 2013
Man we had some good times together....you are a star and now you shine of a different light. Love you?
Loej si eman ym----Say it backwards....
Loni
May 1, 2013
I hurt because I'm sister hurts at your lost . I want to be selfish and bring you back for her. Miss you Joel. Your Gemini sister for another
December 26, 2012
There are a few songs I play that will always remind me of you. We worked on the songs and had a good time playing them on stage. Greta times with a greta friend and musician.....GodBlessYou!
December 26, 2012
I wish Joel was here with us now.
December 25, 2012
We miss not having you home for Christmas.
Love you, Dad.
Jennifer
November 16, 2012
I miss my sweet brother Joel. You are always in my thoughts. I love you.
carol perkins
September 9, 2012
Just thinking of you especially this weekend, Joel. Whenever I am talking with someone who knows the Kelly family from afar, and they haven't heard about Joel's death, it just sends me reeling again as I tell them Joel died. It has to be just as raw and shocking for all the Rheas/Kellys every single day. We'll love that Joel forever.
Emery Lowe
July 9, 2012
To whom it may concern,
Concerned neighbor(Emery Lowe)
Please contact me at (510) 776-7402. You have our sincere condolence. (Family memeber, Friend, or Employee that worked with Joel please contact as soon as possible.)
April Tomson
June 7, 2012
Joel today is your 41st Birthday. As I have told others..in your honor we shouldn't be sad. We celebrate this day in your honor Joel. We miss you and your sparkling eyes but you will forever be in our hearts. Happy Birthday Joel!
John Worthy
June 7, 2012
Joel "rocked" in so many ways. I'll always remember our good times together at Cal Poly SLO.
Ronald Matthews
June 7, 2012
"Good Morning and Happy Birthday Joel"
I'll be Playing Music 2Day thinking about my Gemini Brotha /Friend who is Sooooooooooooooo Missed!!
Lynn Y-M
June 7, 2012
I'm sure you will hear it time and time again: "Joel... What a GOOD guy."
~Lynn Y-M
Shannon & Family: Thinking of you...
Shannon Kelly
June 7, 2012
Love to you, Joel, and your happy, warm, smiling spirit. I honor the joy that surrounded you in life, and will always remember you that way. ?
June 7, 2012
Love you Joel!!! - Craig Erwin
Geo Starr
June 7, 2012
Happy Birthday my dear friend Joel. I miss you.
Dan Hellberg
June 7, 2012
Missing you today, on your birthday!
June 7, 2012
Happy Birthday. Thinking of you all day, every day.
Love you always,
Dad.
April 23, 2012
My condolences to Joel's family. He was a great next door neighbor and a very kind person. Unforunately, I just heard of his passing and my sister and I are still in shock. I look out of the window and see his truck and want to believe he is in his house and will be out shortly to run up and down the hill. He will surely be missed. Enjoyed his yearly back yard concerts.
Ronelle Chestnut & Maxine Johnson
April 18, 2012
Will always remember my buddy as the guitar player just across other side of the stage who gave me that signature smile that said,'I'm loving what we do'.....never no drama,never no fuss,just a genuinely good guy....#George'GRoc'Williams(SanJose,Ca)
April 13, 2012
I am saddened to learn of Joel's untimely passing. My son, Paul, remembers playing Little League with Joel. My deepest sympathy to each member of Joel's family. May his memory be eternal.
Gordon and Garon Robinson and the Robinson family
April 11, 2012
Joel will be missed for sure! We've known Joel since our early years in preschool. His personality and laughter will live on in our minds forever. He is a very smart, funny, loving, and thoughtful friend who we've deeply enjoyed spending time with whenever possible. As with "Rock and Roll" music, Joel will remain in our hearts forever...
Michael Hreha
April 10, 2012
Joel was a great cousin, and an even better friend. Even though I only met Joel for the first time a year ago (on a whim), he made me immediately feel like we were lifelong friends and not distant relatives who lived thousands of miles apart. I'm really going to miss his cheerful “What's up cous”, our great conversations and his random texts in the middle of the night (always forgot about the time change). I wish we could have had more time to really get to know each other, however I am very grateful for the time we had, even if it was short. I take comfort in knowing he is in a better place and that there is a new bright star shining down from up above to watch over us all. Heaven just got a little better for everyone. Rest in peace Joel.
Amber Freitas
April 9, 2012
A kind, beautiful soul that I feel lucky to have called "friend".
Franz Palencia
April 9, 2012
Joel and I were bandmates for many years in the Bay Area, rehearsing or playing gigs every weekend. I was lucky to have known a great person. He even went to my bachelor party and attended our baby shower. My family will miss him greatly, and I will miss his friendship dearly.
Melissa Rogers
April 9, 2012
Joel was a wonderful person and I feel blessed to have known him. He will be forever in our hearts...
Jeff Raines
April 9, 2012
He was a really good guy, smart and funny. He'll be missed.
Greg Gruendl
April 9, 2012
I knew Joel on a professional level. We succussfully completed numerours City projects together. He was extremely honest and a fair person to work for. Our industry will sorely miss him. What an oustanding guy!
Leonore (Leo) Palasik Raya
April 8, 2012
The loss of a child is the hardest to endure. Jane, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May all your happy memories of Joel give you strength to sustain you through this difficult time.
Elizabeth Curley
April 8, 2012
May you be surrounded by love and take comfort in the kindness and joy Joel brought to all of us.
April 8, 2012
What a tragic loss of your loving son. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Valerie Neves Green
Maria Andrade
April 7, 2012
I will always remember Joel as both a bashful high school freshman whose locker was right under mine my senior year and a loyal, kind friend as we reconnected in the Bay Area as adults. Joel reminds us all the value of good friends and loving families.
John and Diane Brockington
April 7, 2012
We did not know Joel but it seems that his generosity in death mirrored how he lived. His life giving decision to be an organ donor helps us to see how a life lost can multiply into many saved. May you be comforted in this great loss by the good he left behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzy Perkins
April 7, 2012
If you're lucky, you get to have a person in your life who never fails to make you smile or to make you feel just a little better about yourself or about something going on in the world. A person who brings only positivity to the table and never hesitates to share a generous and loving spirit with all he comes in contact with. For me that was Joel. I am heartbroken to no longer have him here with us. I love you, Kelly and Rhea families.
Dan & Monica Miller
April 7, 2012
What a lovely tribute for Joel. May he be surrounded in light, and continue to share his warmth and love with those who know and miss him. Be at peace Joel...
Gil Conrad Johnson
April 6, 2012
Just recently meet Joel yett from the first time I new "this was a wonderful person, musician, friend", R.I.P. my newly found friend GOD Bless you and your family.
Kristi Nowell
April 6, 2012
I went to school with Joel. We just started communicating after long time. I will miss him. My condolences to the family and friends.
Aemi Beamer
April 6, 2012
What a lucky person I am to know Joel. I miss his laugh and cute little smile. He was just so loveable. Until we meet again...keep jammin.
Greg Layson
April 6, 2012
Know this, Joel Kelly in Heaven, you will remind me of what is good in my life and when I don't feel like writing, I'll do it anyway, and pray that you will at least now be able to not only read it, but maybe you'll also sometimes see me working on it and just maybe, Like Unk does, you'll help me when I get stuck - like you did when we were kids. You and I giggled ourselves to sleep many nights as kids.Our friendship was unconditional before I even knew that I was being the most me I ever could. Heartbroken.
Mike Davi
April 6, 2012
Joel had one of the most genuine and wonderful personalities you would have ever known.. He had an appreciation for music that was huge! Im pretty... sure thats why we got along so well. He had such a beautiful soul and I am truly saddened to see him go... Sometimes we dont realize how many days we have left... Joel, I will cherish and treasure the few times we hung out, analyzed and enjoyed music together, R.I.P. man you will be missed....
Joe Wang
April 6, 2012
Joel, for having the most impact on people's lives by the fewest words, you win hands down. More of us have thought of you more often; it's made us all kinder. Rest in peace, my friend.
Lonisha Armstrong
April 6, 2012
I will miss my gemini friend Joel. I'll never forget how you loved my barbequed ribs. Until I can make then for you again,
Lonisha Armstrong
Fuad Sweiss
April 6, 2012
I am so sad that such a young, kind, and loving person departed us at this age. Joel managed to win my heart and many others at the City of Oakland since the first day he was hired. May God bless his soul. Our paryers are with his family.
Teresa Johnson (Biser)
April 6, 2012
I remember Joel Kelly from LMJH all the way through Helix High School. Such a sweet and nice person.Play us some tunes in Heaven.R.I.P. Joel.
Kevin Kashi
April 6, 2012
God bless your soul Joel. You were a class act, musically and personally. I was your first lead engineer when you started working for the City. We had fun working together and completed a bunch of very challenging projects. You remained very flexible throughout your career at the City and you always had something interesting, fun, kind, and good to say about others working with you. We all Loved you and we will miss you!
Don Duprey
April 6, 2012
Joel was loved by all who had the honer to know him. we played music together and what fun we had every time we saw each other . you will be missed more than you will know . GOD SPEED my dear friend . So sad for the loss of a good and kind man .
Amy Araiza Nichols
April 6, 2012
Joel was the sweetest person. I grew up with his sisters and the Kelly house was like a home away from home. Joel was a great little brother, never the pesty kind you wanted to kick out of your room. He was always so kind. His sweet smile and that adorable dimple are carved in my thoughts.
You will be missed sweet Joel! Hugs to the entire Kelly family.
Joan Blanchard
April 6, 2012
My prayers and love go to the Kelly family for this great loss. I knew Joel only as a small boy but Joel seemed to be one of the very special ones for sure. He is surely bringing beautiful music to the heavens.
Alvaro Rubio
April 6, 2012
May you rest in peace my friend.
Lois Loving-Stafford
April 6, 2012
You will be missed.
Lois Loving-Stafford (City of Oakland)
Cheryl Stanley
April 6, 2012
I had the honor of meeting Joel a few months ago. Joel seem to be a very personable and fun person. You are another City of Oakland associate that will truly be missed!
Rolanda Hartfield
April 6, 2012
Joel, my friend and co-worker....I would see you daily as you passed my desk at least 4 - 5 times a day. On that fateful day I never saw you at all and that just breaks my heart. We didn't get to say our usual hello and smile to one another or chat about a current event. I finally walked to your desk yesterday just to imagine you still here. My cool as a cucumber, happy go luck friend I will miss you dearly. My deepest condolences goes out to your family and friends. Rest in Paradise my friend...
Lisa Patterson
April 6, 2012
"I never met such a perfect gentleman his smile always melt my heart all of his female friends are going to miss him especially me. Love always"
Kathy Kessler
April 6, 2012
Joel was a very sweet person who loved life and music. I will miss his smile on my BART ride home every night.
Shawn Gill
April 6, 2012
Love and gratitude are the words that come to my mind when I think about how lucky I am to have met you, Joel. Your lust for life will continue on through every friend you made. Every time I hear a song of yours, or a song that you covered so beautifully it will bring a smile to my face. I love you my friend.
Jaron Lyon
April 6, 2012
I met Joel when I was eighteen. We played some great music together along side are good friend Craig Erwin. It was my first band. Although we lost touch over the years, we saw each other last year and it was great to see him. It was an honor to be your friend and fellow bandmate. Love you man. You will be greatly missed.
Elizabeth Gibson
April 6, 2012
Joel is loved by everyone!! I am so blessed to have grown up with you. God bless Joel Kelly forever!!! To the entire Kelly family.... love you all! My thoughts and prayers are with you forever. Love, Elizabeth
April 6, 2012
I will remember Joel, as a nice and generous man who showed me so much. I love you Joel Kelly.
-Tiara Christopher ( Alameda,CA)
Johnny Tomson
April 6, 2012
My friend - My brother...Our memories of all the shows and all the jam sessions will not be forgotten. You were more than a good player...You were a good person. I'll never forget laughing with you and playing guitars till all hours of the morning. Even though your physical body stopped working your spirit lives on in the hearts of us all. I love you Joel Kelly...the world is a better place because of you.
Lauren Choi
April 6, 2012
Joel's smile, kindness, and his artistic legacy will be with us, forever, in our hearts and memory.
Dan Hellberg
April 6, 2012
Everyone who ever came to know Joel -- in school, at work, in the music scene in Oakland -- knew and loved the same sweet, joyful person. Still in shock and missing him; thinking about his family in La Mesa.
Sara Bongiorni
April 6, 2012
We are still reeling from this awful news and our hearts are broken for all the Kelly family. Joel was an amazing person, so full of happiness and kindness. I am grateful to have known him. He was a beautiful person, from those dimples and that smile to incredible musical talent. He will continued to be moved and missed by so many.
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