John Kelly

John F. Kelly, 96, died peacefully with his wife by his side on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 in Hurley, NY. Born June 2, 1914 in Cooley, NY, he was the oldest and last surviving of six children born to Nora O'Keefe Kelly and John L. Kelly.

John was a graduate of Liberty High School. He was a retired NYS Correction Officer from Woodbourne Correctional Facility. He is a former NYS Trooper. He served as a CPO in the Coast Guard during WW II. He was a 74 year member of the Knights of Columbus, a former Grand Knight and a Charter Member of the Father Cronin Council.

John spent most of his life in the Liberty area. He moved to Bellview, Florida after retiring and lived there for 20 years. He was an active volunteer for St. Theresa's Church in Bellview. He easily made friends wherever he lived. He was known for his gift of gab and storytelling. He returned to NYS 11 years ago to be near family. He continued his volunteer services in Ulster County with Catholic Charities.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ellen Healy Kelly, daughters, Eileen Fletcher and husband Thomas of Hurley, NY, Maureen O'Connor and husband Dennis of Lake Carmel, NY, son, John J. Kelly of Canton, NC; grandchildren, Tara Barooah, Drew Fletcher, Crystal Moylan, Kevin O'Connor, Christopher O'Connor; great grandchildren, Taylor, Neal, Connor, Daniel, Kristen; sister-in-law Kathryn Healy of Phoenix, Maryland, Margaret Sullivan of Dumont, NJ Melvina Kelly of Jeffersonville, NY. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by a son, James P. Kelly, a daughter-in-law, Carol Carlyle Kelly, brothers Leo, Thomas, and Edward Kelly and sisters, Irene Wale and Elizabeth Hamlin.

Special thanks to Dr. Rodney Riedel and the staff of Ulster Family Medicine for their kind and compassionate care of John.

Visitation will be Friday, May 6, 2011 from 4-7 PM in the Harris Funeral Home West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 1 PM in the funeral home. Monsignor William Collins will officiate.

Burial with military honors will be in the Sullivan County Veteran's Cemetery, Sunset Lake Road, Liberty, NY.

Memorial contributions in his John's name may be made to a charity of ones' choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. www.Harris-FH.com 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200.