Joseph R. Kelly 1929-2011
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of retired Business Manager Joseph R. Kelly, who passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. His obituary is below.
Joseph R. Kelly, 81, of Southington, CT. passed away peacefully Wednesday, (Oct. 19, 2011) at The Hospital of Central CT in New Britain after a brief illness. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 43 years, Lorraine (Johnson) Kelly in 1993 and his beloved son, Christopher, in 1990. He was born on Oct. 30th, 1929 in New Britain, the proud son of the late Edward P. and Mary (Maloney) Kelly. He attended St Joseph's School and graduated from New Britain High School, Class of 1947. A proud and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Joseph is survived by five sons and their wives; Martin and Karen Kelly of Columbia, CT., Dennis and Marylee Kelly of Cheshire, Ct., Paul and Rose Kelly of Fort Myers, Fla., Thomas and Maureen Kelly of Southington, CT., and Robert and Lisa Kelly of Killingworth, CT. He leaves his loving grandchildren; Sean and his wife Shari, Meghan and her husband Ainsley, Joshua, Alex, Natalya, Kristin, Bret, Patrick, Neil, Christopher, Hanna, Nathan and Julianne and three great grandchildren, Olivia, Aidan and Brody. He was also pre-deceased by two sisters, Margaret Pasco and Mary Beaudoin. He is survived by five siblings, Edward Kelly of Southbury, CT., Rita Burns of Southington, CT., John Kelly and his wife Heidi of Colchester, CT., Regina Thomasen of Southington, CT. and Joan Kelly Coyle of New Britain, CT. Joe is also survived by his loving companion, Jane (Ring) Turchetta of Glastonbury, CT. Joe was the proud and dedicated Business Manager/Financial Secretary of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW), Local 457 out of Meriden, CT. He served in that position from 1972-1996, running unopposed for 25 consecutive years. Prior to that he served as the Treasurer of Local 420 out of Waterbury, CT. He represented the local union on the Law Committee at the International Convention in Kansas City in 1974 and played a major role in organizing the Clerical and Technical positions for CL&P in the early 1980's , winning contract approval by the critical margin of only one vote. He was a member of the CT. State Electrical Association and the New England Utility Council. Joe was passionate and committed to safety in the workplace and negotiated new safety standards for the CT Yankee Power Plant with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Earlier in his career, he was employed at New Britain Machine and was a member of the New Britain fast pitch softball league where he threw a no-hitter against some of New Britain's finest. Joe was a longstanding, active member of the New Britain Elks Lodge #957 (BPOE) where he enjoyed tremendous friendship and camaraderie. Of particular distinction was his selection as the New Britain Elk's Irishman of the Year in the mid 1990's. He was also a loyal and proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in New Britain. Joe's courage and deep rooted Catholic faith, which he demonstrated in the way he lived his life, was instilled in him by his parents and family. He was a faithful member of St. Thomas Church in Southington, CT. Joe's source of greatest pride and joy was clearly his family. Whether it was school, sports or faith-based activities, Joe provided passionate and loving support for his entire family, in particular his grandchildren, who he encouraged and inspired regularly. He was especially proud of being the driving force for the establishment of the Chris Kelly Open, his family's annual cancer benefit golf tournament which has run continuously for twenty two years, raising significant funds for cancer research in memory of his wife, Lorraine, and son Christopher. The Kelly family would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the compassionate and respectful care provided to Joe by the Dr. Neil Wasserman, Dr. Chamakura and the entire staff at the Hospital of Central CT of New Britain. The family is grateful and deeply indebted to his live-in caregiver of six years, Ola McDonald. Ola was the source of constant, loving support enabling Joe to enjoy life at home with his family and friends during the last years of his life.
Funeral rites for Joe will be held Saturday (October 22, 2011) at 8:30 a.m. with the procession departing at 9 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker / Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, Ct. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol Street, Southington, Ct. Committal service and final resting place will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, 209 Bellview Avenue, Southington, Ct. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker / Farmingdale Funeral Home, Friday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Directions to funeral home: I-84 East or West - Exit 37 (Fienemann Road) - right off exit - one mile down on right. The Elks Lodge #957 will hold a ritual Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. To extend condolences to the Kelly family or to share a memory of Joe, please visit the website at shakerfuneralhome.com
Funeral rites for Joe will be held Saturday (October 22, 2011) at 8:30 a.m. with the procession departing at 9 a.m. from the Paul A. Shaker / Farmingdale Funeral Home, 764 Farmington Avenue, New Britain, Ct. followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Church, 99 Bristol Street, Southington, Ct. Committal service and final resting place will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, 209 Bellview Avenue, Southington, Ct. Relatives and friends may call at the Paul A. Shaker / Farmingdale Funeral Home, Friday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Directions to funeral home: I-84 East or West - Exit 37 (Fienemann Road) - right off exit - one mile down on right. The Elks Lodge #957 will hold a ritual Friday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. To extend condolences to the Kelly family or to share a memory of Joe, please visit the website at shakerfuneralhome.com
