Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
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Joseph R. Kelly
June 18, 1919 - June 3, 2015
On the evening of June 3, 2015, two weeks shy of his 96th birthday celebration, Joseph R. Kelly passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family at Stein Hospice Care Center in Sandusky, OH.
Joe was born on June 18, 1919 in Atlantic City, NJ to Joseph A. and Catherine (Toner) Kelly.
He grew up in Margate, NJ where he and his wife, Rose Marie, raised their five children. He was an active parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church. Affectionately known to his family as Dad, Pops, PopPop, and Grandpop, Joe's twelve grandchildren enjoyed many a visit to see him, enjoying the Margate beaches and the Ocean City boardwalk.
Joe was a graduate of the Atlantic City High School, class of 1936. He was an accomplished amateur baseball player and an ardent fan of Notre Dame football and Boston Red Sox. Joe considered beach sand, salt air, and salt water a magic elixir for all ailments. After a 36 year career with the New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, Joe retired in 1981.
Joe is survived by his five children, Paul (Kathryn) Kelly of Norwell, MA, Rosemary (Jack) Routh of Sandusky, OH, Joseph (Debra) Kelly of Quincy, MA, Theresa Corsig of Kernersville, NC and Daniel (Dianne) Kelly of Hampstead, NH; twelve grandchildren, David (Emily) Routh, Katie Routh, Brian Kelly, Nicholas (Joan) Routh, Katelin Kelly, Kimberly (Nathan) Huston, Peter (Erica) Attwater, Carolyn (Lane) Charnesky, Michael Kelly, Sean Kelly, Benjamin Corsig and Emily Corsig; five great-grandchildren, Clara, Evelyn, Eric, Adam and Hannah; godson, Jack Hilferty; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Rose Marie (Wolfram) Kelly on September 1, 1981; sisters, Pauline Hilferty and Catherine Scully; and his dog, Spotty.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Trinity Parish - Blessed Sacrament Church in Margate City, NJ. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing, NJ. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those wishing to contribute to Joe's memory may do so to Holy Trinity Parish - Blessed Sacrament Church, Jerome & Ventnor Avenues, Margate City, NJ 08402, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA, 50340-2018, or to one's favorite charity.
Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
