1 Photo
John J. Kelly died on February 6, 2018, at his home in Southampton. He was 85.
Mr. Kelly was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1951 to 1954, aboard the ammunition ship, USS Great Sitken during the Korean War. Every year for the past 25 years, he attended his ship reunion, in various locations around the country.
He grew up in Water Mill on Halsey Lane and his family attended church at what was once Villa Maria. On October 14, 1961, he married Elizabeth “Betsey” Butts and they built a home and raised their family in Southampton. They had been happily married for 56 years, survivors said.
Mr. Kelly worked in the post office for 36 years, then at Herrick Hardware for a total of 12 years, retiring at age 68. In his retirement, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, clamming, crabbing, boating, and working in the yard with his dog, Nelly, by his side.
An active member of the community, Mr. Kelly was a member and vice president of the Korean War Vets of Eastern Long Island, Chapter 65; a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, the North Sea Community Association, the North Sea Gun Club, and the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, where he served as an usher for many years.
Survivors said he will be remembered as a loving father and for the love he had for his family and friends.
He was predeceased by his father, John J. Kelly Sr.; his mother, Rose G. (Galligan) Kelly, and his sister, Maureen R. Kelly. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth L. Kelly; his children, Michael J. Kelly and Colleen A. Kelly; and grandchildren, Taylor L. Kelly, Tanner J. Kelly, Tara Rose Hurt and Jeffrey M. Umpenhour.
Funeral arrangement were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton, with a funeral at the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, followed by interment at the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
on Feb 12, 2018