William (Bill) Kelly, 79, of Madison Twp., formerly of College Park, MD, died Saturday at St. Mary's Villa. His wife of 54 years is the former Ann Marie Hoban. Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Edward J. Kelly Sr. and Katherine V. (McDonnell) Kelly.
A graduate of Scranton Technical High School, Bill served in the U.S. Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a member and past commander of Phillips-Kleiner VFW Post 5627. After studying electrical technology at the University of Maryland he built a career of installing and maintaining commercial electrical signage, including at Cove Haven in the Poconos.
In his own words, he was "a good guy." A humble, hardworking man, Bill would help anyone in need. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he deeply loved all of his extended family, especially his grandchildren, who provided immense joy and pride. He delighted in collectible cars, chess sets, and his beloved dogs, most recently his shih tzu companion, Sprocket. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by two sons: Sean and wife Amy, and Michael and wife Lisa; six grandchildren: Brendon, Shea, Logan, Cameron, and Olivia Kelly, and Stephen Yankowski; nine siblings: Maureen Rucolas, Wheeling, IL; Nancy Gownley, Scranton; Edward Kelly Jr. and wife, Joyce, Thornhurst; Kevin Kelly and wife, Rose, Madisonville; Patricia Connolly and husband Jerome, Roaring Brook Twp.; Donna Arnold and husband Russ, Olyphant; Joseph Kelly and wife Lori, Roaring Brook Twp.; Brian Kelly and wife Maureen, Gouldsboro; Frank Kelly and wife Lori, Prince Frederick, Maryland; brother in-law Joseph Graff, Scranton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Kathleen V. Graff, and a brother in-law, Robert Gownley.
Friends and family may call Monday, June 29th at St. Patrick's Church, 1403 Jackson St., from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Interment of cremated remains will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Blood Cancer United - Donor Services, PO Box 98018 Washington DC 20090-801, or at bloodcancerunited.org.
Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, Inc.
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