John E. "Smiling Jack" Kelly, Jr., age 87 of DuBois, PA died Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital.

Born on June 21, 1936 in DuBois, PA, he was the son of the late John E. Kelly, Sr. and Sarah (Heffner) Kelly-Pasierb.

Jack attended DuBois Area Schools.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during the Korean War on the Minesweeper, the USS Pinnacle.

On November 22, 1958 he married N. Beryl (Pifer) Kelly at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville, PA. She survives.

Jack had been employed at McDowell Manufacturing, Ward Trucking and the DuBois Brewery.

He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, following high school wrestling, and the DuBois Little League. He played the drums and sang in many local bands. Jack was an active member of AA for over 40 years and was an avid Notre Dame, Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Together, Jack and Beryl raised four children (John E. Kelly, III and his wife Nancy of Sykesville, PA, Michelle Forsyth and her husband Jerry of DuBois, PA, Sharon Cooper of DuBois, PA and Maureen Chadwick of Morgantown, PA). He is also survived by ten grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren one great-great grandchild, one sister (Carol Jean Mehok and her husband Bob of Sykesville, PA) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by (infant twin sons Patrick and Michael Kelly), sister (Sarah "Chuckie" Witherite and her husband Jim), and brother (Leroy Kelly and his wife Carol).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 4 PM – 7 PM at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10 AM from St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church with Msgr. Richard Siefer as celebrant.

Burial will take place in St. Catherine Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gant Daily from Nov. 29 to Nov. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Kelly

Sponsored by Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium.

8 Entries

Colleen

June 1, 2025

Hello, my name is Colleen. I met Jack about 15 years ago at the YMCA. He was always a joy. Our conversations were usually about our love for music. One day he brought me a cd. His cd "Smile'n Jack". I was leaving PA and he said here's something to remember me by. I still have it. He was a gifted vocalist, and I have enjoyed the cd for many years now. I just listened to it and decided to see if I could "find" him on the internet. I wanted to say hello and tell him I still listen to and enjoy his cd. I was saddened of his passing because I couldn't tell him this after all these years but happy his in the Kingdom of Heaven and surely still singing! Thank you, Jack! I will see you when I get there my friend. Many blessing to you all.

Jim Assalone

January 3, 2024

Being a fellow member of the YMCA along with Jack, my heart got in the habit of being happier upon seeing him there. He was often singing pleasantly and tended to radiate a state of well-being which I found contagious. I will always remember the friendly "Hi buddy" upon meeting him there.

Tom Suhy

December 27, 2023

To the family of Jack Kelly: I met him briefly over the years. He was married to my cousin Beryl. I just reconnected with her via phone last night and could hear the love for him in her voice. I am so sad for her.
Tom Suhy

Shamu

November 30, 2023

Jack was a long time member of the YMCA Adult Swim Hour at noon. Followed by hanging out in the lobby drinking coffee, telling stories - Navy experiences, working on the construction of I-80, working laying pipeline near Sinnamahoning, McDowell Mfg where we both worked at one time. Traveling stories. Most were interrupted by persons coming and going in Y. Most of the "crowd" have passed on Don Routch, Bob White, Fury Bernardo and more....

STAN PASIERB JR

November 30, 2023

SORRY TO HEAR OF JOHNS PASSING I NEVER REALLY GOT TO KNOW HIM THAT WELL AS I LIVED SO FAR AWAY I WILL REMEMBER HIM IN MY PRAYERS

Torrey A (Good) Meyer

November 29, 2023

I am so very sorry to hear of Jack's passing! I have so many great memories of him from my childhood. All the get togethers our families had back in the day. The forth of July at Anita park every year always makes me smile! Later in 2006, when I was home taking care of my sick daughter, I would see him praying so fervently in the back of St. Catherines at the daily mass. He had such a conversion of heart and a deep love and faith! I will hold him and you in my prayers! My Dad just gave me a CD last summer when I was home and it has your Dad singing Welcome to My World! So beautiful! My deepest condolences John, Sissy, Sharon, Maureen and Beryl! Torrey (Good) Meyer.

Pamela Carpin

November 29, 2023

Michelle. So sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed talk g to him. Prayers to you and your family Pam Carpin

James foley

November 29, 2023

Worked with Jack at McDowells for years, he made going to work a good time. Haven't seen him in years and it's really sad to see of his passing. His son also worked there too. Sorry to read this John jr. MAY HE REST PEACEFULLY.

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