John Charles Kelly, age 78, a resident of Greenville and a lifelong resident of Delaware, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 25 after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. John was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware where he graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and later worked for more than 30 years in the finance department for New Castle County government until his retirement. John graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree and also proudly served his country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Josephine Kelly and sister Constance Fletcher. Surviving family members include his wife, Gail Kelly, their canine companion Beau, his sister, Josephine Kelly, and several nieces and nephews. When John married Gail, he was welcomed into Gail’s family as a step-father to Kurt Rosenzweig (Linda), Elizabeth Cottle (Jeff), Samme Sorouri (Bijan), Heidi Bershad (Michael), Troy Rosenzweig (Filis) and Dean Rosenzweig. John was also a step-grandfather to 10 grandkids and 2 great granddaughters.
Throughout his life John enjoyed traveling near (Delaware beaches) and far (New Zealand), golfing with friends, playing tennis with Gail and watching Jeopardy every night with Alex Trebek.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Quaker Meeting House, 401 N West Street in Wilmington, Delaware. Burial will be private.
Donations in his memory may be to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. www.michaeljfox.org
For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com
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