As he was often heard to say, “Life goes on, in unending song, amongst earth’s lamentations”. John Joseph Kelly, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on October 23, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances (nee Carr), his children, Mary, Patrick, Jim and Kathleen, his siblings, Mary Donlan (Thomas), James Kelly (Mary), Patricia Arbogast and Joanne Court and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
During the years he shared with us, John left no stone unturned. From airman to engineer, astronomy to physics, canoe racing to bike riding, Alaska to Australia, Pogo to Lawrence Welk, Panera Bread to Two Brothers Brewery, Johnny Joe’s zest for life was boundless.
He was a PC pioneer, an avid archivist and an enthusiastic fan of Fermilab. A son, a brother, a husband, a father, an uncle, cousin and a friend, he touched us all with his legendary wit and charm.
An avowed animal lover, John was rarely seen without his beloved Cocker Spaniels, Midnight, and later, Geronimo. He enjoyed all of God’s creatures, large and small, and “rescued” many in his lifetime.
Countless memories of John sustain us, as we mourn the sudden loss of this kind, loving and thoughtful man. May perpetual light shine upon him.
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John’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2014, starting at 5:00pm, at Weaver Ridge Golf Club , 5100 N. Weaver Ridge Blvd., Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PAWS Chicago or Wildlife SOS .
