Joseph J. Kelley

Joseph J. Kelley obituary, Corning, NY

Joseph J. Kelley

Joseph Kelley Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Carpenter's Funeral Home - Corning on Oct. 25, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Joseph J. Kelley, age 78 of Corning, NY passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Born on August 21, 1946 in Superior, WI, he was the son of the late Harold Kelley and Philomen Morisset Kelley. He grew up in west Texas and later moved to Buffalo, NY and then eventually Corning, NY. Joseph was a graduate of Howard Jr. College and later served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972. He was a combat photographer with the 1st Aviation Brigade, for which he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He married Lorraine Shapiro on June 26, 2010. Joseph worked as a customer service manager for the Internal Revenue Service for 25 years before his retirement.
The things he enjoyed most were playing golf, reading science fiction, politics, and American history. He was a member of the Corning Elks Lodge, the VFW, and the American Legion. He found great joy and peace in the simple pleasure of feeding the birds.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Justin (Marwa) Kelley; and granddaughter, Raya; his stepson, Arin (Diana) Shapiro; and step-grandson, Sawyer; and his sister, Anne (Mike) Uptergrove.
In addition to his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his nephew, Casey Uptergrove.
It was Joseph's wish that there be no services. Carpenter's Funeral Home, 14 E. Pulteney St., Corning, NY has been entrusted with the arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph J. Kelley, please visit our Tree Store.

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

Sign Joseph Kelley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Carpenter's Funeral Home - Corning

14 East Pulteney St, Corning, NY 14830

Make a Donation
in Joseph Kelley's name

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph Kelley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Joseph Kelley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?