William Anthony Kelly
1940 - 2026
William Anthony Kelly
1940 - 2026
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William Kelly Obituary
Born in the South Bronx, William was one of four children of Ann Devaney Kelly and John Kelly, immigrants from Ireland. After the death of his father when he was five, his mother raised the family on her own. He attended St. Jerome's Grammar School and Cardinal Hayes High School before earning full scholarships to Fordham University and Brooklyn Law School, graduating in 1966.
Known to friends and family simply as Bill, he devoted his career to public service. After admission to the NY State Bar, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Bronx. In 1982, he was elected to the Clarkstown Justice Court, beginning a judicial career that culminated in his election as a NY State Supreme Court Justice in 2005.
Bill was married for 58 years to his beloved wife, Ann Marie Kilkenny Kelly, and together they raised five children: Veronica, the late Brian, Maureen, Eileen, and Michael. He was a proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren.
A man of strong faith and Irish heritage, Bill served as a Eucharistic Minister and was active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Meals on Wheels. He was known for his warmth, humor, and love of family gatherings.
He spent many summers at the Jersey Shore with his family and remained closely involved in his grandchildren's lives.
His legacy is one of service, faith, and devotion to family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Congers, NY, on Saturday, January 31, at 11:30 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jack Clarke
March 15, 2026
Sincere condolences to Ann Marie and the family.
Jack Clarke
Ed Knauer
February 7, 2026
Bill will be missed. His mischievous smile, the gleam in his eyes, his ever slow slight stirring of a hornet´s nest or his enjoyment of being a gadfly will be missed. His direction to a waitress to make sure his coffee was boiling hot or to take back an entree will be missed.
Bye Bill.
Ed Knauer
Gail Feltham
February 2, 2026
Sending my sincere condolences to the Kelly Family. Bill made New City a better place. I will always remember his warm hello, always smiling and genuine. I ran into him at ShopRite in Manasquan a couple of years ago. I told him My Mother, Helen was fan of his. We had a nice chat about Rockland County and New City, the way life used to be......Heaven gained a Special Angel. John 8:12
Heather & Macky Trabaudo
January 31, 2026
27 Beachfront will greatly miss all of our interactions with "Grandpa Kelly!" What an incredible man who always made you feel so important while conversing with him. Loved his stories and "Hey, where you going?" on our many daily trips back and forth to our house! How he loved his family...with his grandkids circled up around him on the beach! North End will not be the same.
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Jane Takis
January 31, 2026
My sincere & heartfelt condolences to Ann Marie&all the Kelly children. I was honored& blessed to know Bill Kelly & may God hold him in the Palm of His Hands for all Eternity. Rest in Peace Bill.
Jeannine and Elizabeth
January 30, 2026
Our hearts are broken for the Kelly family. Judge Kelly was an excellent judge, family man and church goer. Eternal rest. The Rippa Family [New City]
Anthony Benedict
January 27, 2026
My condolences to the Kelly family. Having known Bill for many years (he vouched to the Appellate Division for my application to the bar) his wit, humor, knowledge and friendship will be greatly missed. Bill always had a story to tell. We also miss his fairness, integrity and common sense on the bench. My sincere sympathy.
Richard Glickel
January 27, 2026
Bill Kelly was a gentleman who always treated those who appeared before him (attorney or layperson) with respect and dignity. Over his many years on the Bench, Judge Kelly never forgot how hard it was to be a practicing lawyer. He was a genuinely friendly man who would go out of his way to greet you with a smile and a handshake. He could expound on a legal case or the outcome of a sporting event with equal measures of enthusiasm. My sincere condolences to his dear Ann Marie (the "Commish") and the entire Kelly family.
Frank Apicella
January 27, 2026
Bill was one of the good guys. Always a smile and a warm hello. A role model for younger attorneys both prosecution and defense. I remember him well. Frank Apicella
Victor Daly-Rivera
January 26, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Mercedes Felix
January 25, 2026
May you rest in Peace.
Mercedes
Paul Adler
January 25, 2026
Judge Bill Kelly was a good family man, legal scholar, outstanding public servant and good friend who will be missed. Paul Adler, Esq.
Kim Saucier
January 25, 2026
As a retired Deputy Sheriff in Rockland County, I remember Judge Kelly as a fair and balanced Judge who showed concern and compassion in his Court. Judge Kelly was well admired and respected by those who knew him and those who received his direction and guidance in and out of his Courts. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will surely be missed.
Victor Reyes
January 25, 2026
Bill was a great man and friend, always big smile and ask need anything. Will be missed.
Victor Reyes
Tim Moran
January 24, 2026
May Judge Kelly rest in peace. He was a great man!
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