Obituary of John T. Kelly

INTERMENT Information Update- 

 Jack's burial will be held Friday November 10, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Greenville Cemetery with honors by the Greenville American Legion Post 291.

John T. Kelly of Greenville passed away on Thursday Aug. 3, 2023 at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Jack, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Manhattan on December 17, 1938 to parents Michael and Margaret (Guinnessy) Kelly.

Jack is survived by his sister Catherine “Kitty” Connelly, his sister-in-law MaryAnnKelly, his six nieces: Kathleen Kelly, Cathy Mancino, Patricia Kelly, Christine Brodsky, Susan Thomas, and Maureen Salazar, his two nephews: Michael Kelly and Michael W. Kelly, and seven grandnieces and grandnephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Margaret Kelly, brothers James “Jimmy” and Michael “Frankie”, brother-in-law Edward, nephew Joseph, and sister-in-law Patricia “Pat”.

Jack graduated from Iona Prep, and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Iona College.  While working on his Masters, he was tapped to work on a program at White Sands Missile Range.  Jack served his country, entering the United States Army in 1963.  He was assigned to the Army Map Service, where he worked on mapping the stars for the Space Race and its missions.

After the Army, Jack went on to work as a physicist for PerkinElmer in Connecticut.   He worked on many government projects that required security clearance, including the lenses and assembly for the Hubble Telescope.

Jack had many, many interests and a photographic memory.   He loved a good chat and a laugh. He was an art enthusiast, a history buff, a wine aficionado, an inspired volunteer, a storyteller,  a loyal friend, a loving son, brother and uncle. He was passionate about the Greenville Amercian Legion Post 291 and the Greenville Irish American Club.  He was faithful to his church, St. John the Baptist.  Jack moved through his life in an orbit of kindness and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Calling hours will be Friday, August 11^th from 5 to 8 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home in Greenville.  Officers and members of Greenville American Legion Post 291 will conduct a service at 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, August 12^th  at 11am at St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the charity of one’s choice will be appreciated.  Condolence page is available at ajcunninghamfh.com.