John Joseph "Jack" Kelly

John "Jack" Joseph Kelly

Vero Beach, FL

Services for John "Jack" Joseph Kelly, age 95, passed away on December 10, 2015 at his home in Del Mar. A viewing with family and friends will be held at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home 1950 20th Street Vero Beach, FL. 32960 from 6 - 8 p.m, Monday evening December 14, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday December 15, 2015 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at the Del Mar club house following the Mass at 5400 North A-1A, Vero Beach. Mr. Kelly was born in Brooklyn, New York June 1, 1920. He was one of 4 boys born to John and Florence Mullan Kelly. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers Thomas and Andrew. Jack spent his childhood and early adulthood in Long Island, primarily Jamaica Long Island New York. Mr. Kelly graduated from Jamaica High School and attended St. John's University. He served in the Army during WW II as Military Police Officer. It was while serving in the Army during World War II he met his bride of 68 years, Carolyn Barham Kelly. They married in Long Branch, New Jersey, June 7, 1947. Mr. Kelly started his family in East Meadow, Long Island, New York. In 1958 they relocated to Arlington Virginia, where they complete their family. Mr. Kelly spent his professional life in the food business, starting with Armour and Company in New York City and time in food brokerage businesses throughout his career. Mr. Kelly fully retired in 1987. He split his time between Virginia and Florida until 1998 when the Kellys made Vero Beach their permanent home. Mr. Kelly served in the Active Duty Army in WW II and then a full career with the Army Reserve. Major Kelly was honorably discharged from Army Reserve in 1980. Jack enjoyed music, primarily "Big Band" and Frank Sinatra, New York, New York being a favorite. He also enjoyed the Washington Redskins, attending home games at RFK Stadium with tail gate parties in Parking Lot 8. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus (Edward Douglas White Council, Arlington VA and Holy Cross Council, Vero Beach Fla). Mostly he enjoyed time with Carolyn and his family. He had a very quick wit and enjoyed stories and jokes from time to time. Mr. Kelly often stated that 1 plus 1 does not equal 2. He is survived by seven children, 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren: Barbara (Bobbie) Kelly; Granddaughter Sarah and Chad Mahoney and great grandchildren Morgan and Jack, Cathy and Mike Ludwig; Granddaughter Kelly and Sean Monroe and great granddaughters Victoria and Alexandra; Grandson Dio Cifuni and great granddaughter Mia; Grandson Nick and Libby and great granddaughter Charlotte, John (Chip) J. and Karen Kelly; Grandson Joshua J. and Christin Kelly and great grandchildren Preston and Emerson; Granddaughter, Jacqueline Kelly, and Grandson Brian Kelly, James T. Kelly and his family; Granddaughters Kaitlyn, Maura, Natalie, and Audrey, Mary and Chuck Mason; Granddaughter ,Madeline A. Mason, Mark and Suzanne Kelly; Grandson Curtis and Scott, Denise and Del Morgan; Granddaughters Taylor and Kayla. Mr. Kelly is also survived by his brother Jerry as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to VNA and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach Florida 32960. Final burial will be at Arlington National Commentary on a future date. An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com