Joseph J Kelly

Joseph John Kelly, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on February 28, 2021. A resident of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, Joseph was born in the Bronx on January 13, 1938 to the late James Kelly (Co. Leitrim, Ireland) and Rachel (nee Walls) Kelly (Co. Derry). Joseph and his loving wife of 50 years, Teresa (nee Burns) raised their family in New Rochelle, NY. Along with Teresa, he is survived by his children Sheila Kelly O’Shea (Cornelius), Jennifer Kelly Fleming (Dausey) and Kevin Joseph Kelly. Affectionately known as Papa, Joseph was the adored grandfather to Declan, Paige and Dylan Fleming and Fallon and Aisling O’Shea. Joseph was predeceased by his brothers James, Thomas and Colin Kelly and his brother-in-law Thomas Burns. He is survived by his sisters Mary O’Toole (Donald), Kathy Elliot (George) and many loving nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Joann Kelly, Margaret Campion (Michael), and brother-in-law James Burns.

A proud son of Irish immigrants, Joseph was raised in the Bronx and took many trips back to Ireland with his family. He graduated from St. Simon Stock in 1956. Joseph bravely served in the FDNY from 1960 until his retirement in 1997. Over his thirty-seven years with the FDNY, he was a Firefighter with Ladder 38/Engine 88 in the Bronx, a Lieutenant in Ladder 61 in Coop City, a Captain in Harlem with Engine 59, retiring from Engine 72 in Throgs Neck.

A proud US Army veteran, Joseph was a member of the American Legion Bajart Post 1122 and the Manasquan Elks 2534. He was also a member of the FDNY Emerald Society and the FDNY Holy Name Society.

Joseph will be missed by all who knew him. He loved his walks on the boardwalk, reading and spending time with his family. His easygoing nature, kindness and strength will live on in his children and grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, March 3 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Orender Family Home, Manasquan, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 4 at 10:30 am at St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake, NJ. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, c/o E66/L61, 21 Asch Loop, Bronx, NY, 10475 nyffburncenter.com. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.