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John Kelly Obituary
KELLY, John Joseph "Jack"
Age 82, of Blossburg, PA, died Thursday, December 18, 2008, at his home surrounded by his loving children. Jack was born February 18, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA, a son of John Joseph and Marion Gladys (Lucas) Kelly. He was owner and operator of the Blossburg Meat Market from 1971 to 1979. He enjoyed spending time as a young man in Wildwood, NJ at his parents' summer home. Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Merchant Marines, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Army, serving during WWII and the Korean War. He was a recipient of the National Defense Medal. As a Merchant Marine, he served on the American Sun Vessel, The Texas Sun, and the U.S. Fairfax. After his service, he owned and operated a restaurant in Santa Barbara, CA and also sang at the Cold Springs Tavern. He was a lifetime member of the Theodore Roosevelt Morris Run Legion Post #167. Jack is survived by his loving daughter and caregiver, Barbara Ann Kelly-Watkins and Rodney Wood of Blossburg, PA; sons and daughters-in-law, Donnie Jackson of Lawrenceville, PA, John "Jack" Joseph and Pam Kelly of Blossburg, PA, Michael Patrick and Mary Kay Kelly of Hanover, PA, Russell Barnes and Sue Kelly of Canton, PA, Robert Francis and Renee Kelly of Blossburg, PA, and William Dean and Dawn Kelly of West Warwick, RI; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Helen Ann Kelly of Pottstown, PA; a sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Robert McCann of Phoenixville, PA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Watkins and friend, Jeremy Vlajic, Patrick and Allison Watkins, Amber Marie Jackson, Luke and Shane Kelly, Kayla and Rachel Kelly, Cassie and Kylie Kelly, Caleb, Tristin and Sara Kelly, Ethan and Colin Kelly; one great-grandson, Chandler John Vlajic; special friends, Jane and Jacob Becker. Jack was predeceased by his parents and three sisters, Cecilia, Nancy and Alice. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 22, 2008, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home immediately following the viewing at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Dean Edwards officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Jack's memory to the Blossburg Wrestling Club, 147 East Creek Rd., Blossburg, PA 16912. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Kelly
Daddy's little Girl Barbara Ann
January 10, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Kevin and Glenda Stephani
December 27, 2008
To Jack, Pam and family:
We're very sorry to hear of your loss. I know you've lost a very special part of your life. Remember all those special moments together and treasure them dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care ...
Iris Larsson
December 24, 2008
We were sorry to hear of your loss.
Remember the good times, they will be with you always. Our best to the
family, Iris and Bob Larsson
jim and mary anne lennox
December 23, 2008
jack kelly real american hero gave big part of his life to his country semper fi to a great guy
Sharry and Sam Lloyd
December 21, 2008
To all of the Kelly Family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and hearts go out to all of you. Jack loved his family and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports! He will never be forgotten. He is at Peace.
Take Care Sam and Sharry Lloyd Blossburg
Eileen & Jerry Droleski
December 21, 2008
Dear Kelly family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sadness. Our deepest sympathy.
D Haddow-Honness
December 21, 2008
I was so sorry to see that Jack has passed. My sympathy goes to the entire Family of this very beloved and awesome man. I will always remember Jack from my many years as a resident of Blossburg. Debbie Haddow Honness, Spencer, NY
Charlie and Dawn Debach
December 20, 2008
Jack was the ultimate Irishman, always with a smile on his face and a song in his heart. He was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed. Cherish your memories of him , his family was everything to him. Our love and deepest sympathy to all of you,
William & Lynn Stroud
December 20, 2008
Our sympathy and prayers to the Kelly families, we will always remember Jack from Blossburg as we used to live in Blossburg for many years.
Rhonda Rose
December 20, 2008
MIke and Mary Kay, and the entire Kelly family,
My sympathy goes out to you all. My prayers are with you.
May you find strength and comfort in family and friends at this difficult time.
Dave and Amy Mahonski
December 19, 2008
Donnie, Jack, Mike, Barb, Russ, Bob, Billy and Families-
Our thought and prayers go out to your entire family. We will miss Jack's smiling face at the kid's sporting events. We was their #1 fan!
May you cherish the fond memories of your Dad forever!
Sandy Starkweather
December 19, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jackie Kroll Ogden
December 19, 2008
Bob,
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Kim Garofalo-Derr
December 19, 2008
Jack will always be in our hearts and memories. My taughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Terry & Carol Shelman
December 19, 2008
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family, Jack was a great guy and will be missed dearly.
Patty Miller
December 19, 2008
To the Kelly family, My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jack made me laugh on more than one occasion and always made me feel welcome in your home.
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