Paul Christopher Kelly

Paul Christopher Kelly, 93, passed away with family by his side on September 18, 2025 at his home on Callawassie Island, South Carolina.

Paul was born on July 9, 1932 in The Bronx, NY to Irish immigrant parents, Patrick and Catherine (Molloy) Kelly. Paul graduated from Fordham University in 1954, and later received an MBA degree from New York University. He served as a first lieutenant in the US Army Transportation Corps in Germany during the Korean War. His entire career was spent with the financial institution currently known as JP Morgan Chase.

When Paul’s family moved to Flushing, NY, he became acquainted with his next door neighbor, Patricia (Pat) Barker. While attending Fordham, in desperation, Paul asked Pat if she would type one of his college papers for him. In return Paul asked Pat out on a date, and they later married on June 26, 1954. They were blessed with six children.

In 1966, Paul and Pat moved the family to Allendale, NJ, a suburb of NYC. Despite a demanding work schedule, and a lengthy commute from his job, Paul made time to volunteer as coach for his children’s baseball and softball leagues - often running in his business suit from the train station to the ballfields to get to practice or a game in time.

In 1999, Pat and Paul retired to Callawassie Island, South Carolina. During the time Paul lived in Callawassie with his wife and best friend, Pat, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf, kayaking, caring for birds in his yard, and watching sunsets along with the ebb and flow of the tide in the marsh behind his home.

At an early age, Paul’s upbringing instilled in him the importance of faith and family, as well as the value of fulfilling work. Along with Patricia, Paul donated much of his time to projects at his parish, St. Gregory the Great, as well as Habitat For Humanity. While attending college, Paul spent summers working with his father and older brothers who were tradesmen. From this experience, Paul acquired his construction “skills,” and was happiest when using them. He always felt that any day he had completed a meaningful task was a good day.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Catherine Kelly, and his brothers Patrick, Franklin, and William. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; their children, Jeanne Kelly (Roderic Don), Paul (Janine) Kelly, Kevin (Lisa) Kelly, Kenneth Kelly (Salud Reyes), Megan (Stephen) Judge, and Kathryn (Robert) Pincus; nine grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and twelve step-great grandchildren, as well as his sister, Catherine Hucke; sister-in-law, Noreen Kelly; and many nieces and nephews.

In memory of Paul, donations can be made to St Francis Center on St Helena Island, SC or Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17th at 10:30 am at Saint Gregory the Great Church, Bluffton, SC.