Archie Kelley

Published in The Arizona Republic from January 6 to January 7, 2010

Archie Kelley, 88 of Scottsdale, AZ. passed away January 2, 2010. An Arizona native, he was born November 6, 1921. Archie grew up on a family owned dairy farm in Glendale, AZ. He graduated from Glendale HS. In his teens he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Archie was a WWII veteran. He enlisted in the US Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and served through 1945. His most notable assignment was on board the USS Oklahoma City.

Archie was also a professional baseball player. He played for a number of farm teams as a pitcher and outfielder. His favorite baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals. After his Navy service, Archie worked in the shipyards of Philadelphia as a crane operator.

After retiring, he purchased a bar in Philadelphia called the Roxie which he owned for many years. Archie had a wonderful smile, good humor and a generous soul.

Archie is survived by his wife Lucia (DellaPollo), daughter Donna, brothers Lawrence, Ernest and Clyde, sisters Hester Justice (Glen) and Ester Hill (Jesse), and his guardian-nephew Keith Kelley, cousin Bonnie Hayes.

Archie was predeceased by his son Donald, sisters Helen McCullum (Patrick), Jesse May Hobgood (Sidney), Cathryn Lasiter (Murle), and brother Clarence.

Services will be held at 2PM, on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Allen Funeral Home, 1130 S Horne, Mesa, AZ. 480-833-1716.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in Archie's name. Pennsylvania services will be held at 10AM Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 W Chester Pike, Newton Square, PA.