Michael J. "Mike" Kelly

Mike was born on February 3, 1945 in Darby, Pennsylvania to Edward Kelly and Rose Gallagher Kelly. He grew up in North Philadelphia and attended Holy Child Elementary School. He graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1962 and attended St. Joseph's College before beginning his career at Gulf Oil Corporation in retail credit. When Gulf merged with Chevron, he opted to remain in Georgia so as not to disrupt family life with children in high school. He then worked at Harris 3M where he was able to hire many of his former Gulf Oil colleagues who also remained in Georgia. After more than 20 years and several mergers he retired as Credit Manager from Ricoh. Additionally, Mike proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for 6 years stationed at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station. After his retirement, he volunteered at Eastside Hospital and Gwinnett County Master Gardener Extension program. He was a loyal parishioner at St. John Neumann Church where he attended until health issues kept him from participating.
He met his future wife, Maureen, at Gulf Oil in 1965 and they married in 1968. They moved from Philly to Atlanta, to Houston and back to Atlanta which is where they planted themselves through retirement. All the while, they built a large family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Maureen De Polo Kelly; four children, son & daughter-in-law, Michael Kelly and Karyn Mendel and their children Franke & Clinton of Bedford, NY; daughter & son-in-law, Shannon & Dan Sullivan and their 2 children Brady & Kelly of Westlake Village, CA; daughter & son-in-law Casey Kelly & Scott Leonardo and their 2 children, Evan & Owen of Buford, GA; and son & daughter-in-law Andrew & Amy Kelly and their 3 children, Ava, Luca and Isla Rose of Atlanta, GA; his sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Mike was a kind man with very simple needs able to light up any gathering with his vibrant spirit and creativity. In the neighborhood, he was involved with the original homeowners' group that championed the development of the pool and tennis courts and helped with plantings and other enhancements including the annual Pig Roasts. He will be fondly remembered for the New Year's morning gatherings of the "Oakers" where they enjoyed "SuperStars" games in the driveway and throughout the cul-de-sac. His dedication to family was evident in the countless Halloween costumes he crafted for his children, including a memorable Darth Vader for Michael and Andrew. He made it a priority to attend every school and sporting event, driving long distances to support his children's activities, from soccer games at the College of Charleston for Andrew to swim meets for Shannon, Michael's performances at Coastal Carolina and Casey's soccer games. For his grandchildren, he was a constant presence at soccer fields, basketball courts, regattas, Grandparents' Days and special school events and performances, eagerly awaiting videos of any events he couldn't attend. For Maureen, he did so many things including cooking after he retired and stuffing envelopes and collating flyers for Thanks Mom & Dad Fund. She often called him her "best supporting actor."
Mike loved to work in the garden, dig in the dirt to plant seasonal flowers, and encourage the growth of his tree seedlings to give away to his friends. During his retirement, he became a Master Gardener through the County Extension program and volunteered to answer calls there. He also volunteered at Eastside Hospital information desk for 11 years.
When the Grandchildren came along, they added so much joy to his life and he amped things up by decorating for every holiday with Beanie Babies, or finding little toys for them, and filling almost 100 Easter Eggs for his annual "Eggstra Special" Easter Egg hunt with signage and endless candy. And every year, his handmade Sesame Street characters adorned the lawn with a Christmas tree so that the kids could run up to hug them and take photos. He was always excited to hear from them and seeing his grandchildren in person was a huge thrill each and every time. He cherished every moment spent with them, attending their special events and learning how to connect with their sports online when he could no longer attend in person. A simple bowl of ice cream in the evening and nightly prayers at bedside were cherished routines for Mike.
He took great pride in his children and welcomed every spouse into the family with open arms. He was most content at home whether watching TV with Maureen while recounting their blessings, enjoying visits from his children, or reveling in the company of his "crown jewels" – the Grandchildren. Mike was an incredibly good man and his legacy of love and kindness will be deeply missed.
The family has chosen cremation and services will be announced at a later date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that you consider a memorial donation to Thanks Mom and Dad Fund, 3355 Lenox Road, NE #750, Atlanta, GA 30326, in memory of Michael J. "Mike" Kelly.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.