Patrick J. Kelly

Pat Kelly will be remembered for the many gifts he left behind, including his music and his love for life. Pat was a performer. As a young man, he could be found gigging in local joints around West Orange, jamming with his friends and writing love songs for his future wife, Sandy.

Later, he joined the Barbershop Harmony Society. Pat was a member of various quartets, including The Twisted Mustache, which performed at The Belmont Stakes and Make-A-Wish Foundation events. He loved "going singing" and was a member of several barbershop choruses over the years. He was once the director of the Morris Music Men and was especially proud of being part of The Big Apple Chorus and their performance at Carnegie Hall. He was currently singing with The Oceanaires Chorus in Ocean County, where his large vocal range and skilled ear made it able for him to switch between parts, something he was very proud of. Recently, he was rehearsing and cultivating songs to perform at open mics and music showcases in his local community. His most recent accomplishment was auditioning for and being accepted into The a.k.a. Band. He sang, harmonized, strummed the guitar, and played the harmonica at gigs in the shore area with them. Pat loved the stage and was so pleased with how many different ways he was able to share his musicality with everyone who loved him.

Pat was immensely proud of his family. He will be cherished forever by his wife, Sandy, who he was married to for 50 years. They were high school sweethearts and perfect partners for each other. His memory will be lovingly treasured by his four children, Erin, Luke, Suzanne, and Ben, and their spouses. He will be deeply missed by his five grandchildren, Mallory, James, Tommy, Leo, and Cassie, who adored their Pop Pop. Pat was passionate about spending time outdoors with his family. They enjoyed camping, tubing on the Delaware River, beach days, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and making music together. He certainly left a trail of joyful memories. Pat also enjoyed bike riding, and once he discovered pickleball, he was hooked.

Pat was born in Jersey City, grew up and raised his family in West Orange, and has been enjoying retirement in Original Leisure Village. He will be remembered fondly by his brother, Joe, and wife Marty, as well as his brother-in-laws, Tony, Luke, and David, and their partners.

Please join the family in honoring Pat's life at Ely Funeral Home in Neptune on Wednesday, September 3rd, from 2:00 to 5:00pm.