Obituary of John Joseph Kelly

John Joseph Jack Kelly, age 82, of Blossburg, PA, died Thursday, December 18, 2008 at his home surrounded by his loving children. Jack was born February 18, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA, a son of John Joseph and Marion Gladys (Lucas) Kelly. He was owner and operator of the Blossburg Meat Market from 1971 to 1979. He enjoyed spending time as a young man in Wildwood, NJ at his parents summer home. Jack was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, the Merchant Marines, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U. S. Army, serving during WW II and the Korean War. He was a recipient of the National Defense Medal. As a Merchant Marine he served on the American Sun Vessel, The Texas Sun, and the U. S. Fairfax. After his service he owned and operated a restaurant in Santa Barbara, CA, and also sang at the Cold Springs Tavern. He was a lifetime member of the Theodore Roosevelt Morris Run Legion Post #167. Jack is survived by his loving daughter and caregiver, Barbara Ann Kelly-Watkins and Rodney Wood of Blossburg, PA; sons and daughters-in-law, Donnie Jackson of Lawrenceville, PA, John Jack Joseph and Pam Kelly of Blossburg, PA, Michael Patrick and Mary Kay Kelly of Hanover, PA, Russell Barnes and Sue Kelly of Canton, PA, Robert Francis and Renee Kelly of Blossburg, PA, and William Dean and Dawn Kelly of West Warwick, RI; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Helen Ann Kelly of Pottstown, PA; a sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Robert McCann of Phoenixville, PA; grandchildren, Elizabeth Watkins and friend Jeremy Vlajic, Patrick and Allison Watkins, Amber Marie Jackson, Luke and Shane Kelly, Kayla and Rachel Kelly, Cassie and Kylie Kelly, Caleb, Tristin and Sara Kelly, Ethan and Colin Kelly; one great grandson, Chandler John Vlajic; special friends, Jane and Jacob Becker. Jack was predeceased by his parents and three sisters, Cecilia, Nancy and Alice. Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, December 22, 2008 from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. at the Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home immediately following the viewing at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Dean Edwards officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Jacks memory to the Blossburg Wrestling Club, 147 East Creek Rd., Blossburg, PA 16912. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com