James F. Kelly

Published in The Observer-Dispatch from 11/2/2008 - 11/3/2008

Mr. James F. Kelly, 82, a resident of the Heritage Healthcare Center, Utica, formerly of Whitesboro, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 30, 2008. James was born in Utica on December 8, 1925, the son of John J. and Agnes (Hickey) Kelly.

He was raised and educated locally, earned his Bachelors degree from Utica College and his Masters degree in School Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh. James honorably served in The US Navy during WW II.

On October 14, 1961, James married Carol Perreault in St. John the Evangelist Church in New Hartford. He dedicated his life to educating the youth of our country as an educator, math teacher at Oneida Middle School for eight years, principal of Holland Patent High School for 18 years, and as a member of the Marion County School Board in Ocala, FL, for eight years.

In his younger years, he played professional baseball with the Utica Blue Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organization. He was an avid golfer, scoring two holes in one, enjoyed playing bridge, and was a devout Catholic.

Mr. Kelly is survived by his beloved wife, Carol, of Whitesboro; five sons, James G. Kelly, of Baltimore, MD, Bruce Kelly, of Atlanta, GA, David Kelly, of Whitesboro, Andrew Kelly, of Whitesboro, and Tom Kelly of Utica; one sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Don Merwin of CT; one brother and three sisters-in-law, John and Barbara Kelly, of Buffalo, Jean Brady, of Rochester, and Lois Daskiewich, of Boonville; a brother-in-law, Phil Coppola, of Marcy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his son, Richard Kelly, and two sisters, Mary Kelly and Dorothy Coppola.

Mr. Kelly's funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at 10:45 a.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica, and 11:30 at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Whitesboro, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends are Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30.

Mr. Kelly's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Heritage Healthcare Center for the kindness and compassionate care you provided to James.

Online guestbook and messages of sympathy at www.heintzfuneralservice.net.