Our enthusiastic, hardworking, and amazing dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great-grandpa left us the morning of July 6, 2022, to join family and friends that have been waiting for him in heaven. Dad was 95 years old and wanted to make sure we let everyone know the cause of death was “TMB” – too many birthdays!
Dad was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 21, 1927, the only child of Raymond and Mildred Kelly. At the age of three the three of them drove out west and landed in Salt Lake City. Born and raised Catholic he attended a Catholic grade school and graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School. After graduating, dad enlisted in the Navy serving on the USS Higbee Destroyer. In 1949 he married Joyce Peterson and together they had 7 children. Family, a great work ethic, and lots of humor was his life. His employment consisted of many sales jobs, the longest with Graco where he earned top salesman several times and when he finally retired, started his own business. Dad also had many side jobs, playing the drums in a band, buying and selling used cars, and building houses. At the age of 95 he still held two jobs working a total of 16 hours per week at the Holladay Walgreens and a Golf Marshall at Glendale Golf Course.
He was a man that played golf his entire life and made many friends while enjoying the play, although he never had a hole in one. He never missed any of his children’s sporting events and tried to attend as many as he could of his grandchildren’s. A big supporter of sports, Dad was a fan of Judge Memorial Bulldogs, an avid Notre Dame football fan and don’t forget the Utah Utes. His favorite saying to his daughter was “what’s new at the U.” A man of spunk, strength, and a personality plus, topped off with a heart of gold which we hope will live on within family and friends.
Survived by his children Janet Bruce, Robin Kelly, Patti Larsen, Mike Kelly, and Lisa (Rick) Bouillon; half siblings Mike Kelly and Jacque Kelly; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren and many friends and coworkers that enjoyed him. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, and two daughters Sharrie and Lora Jane.
A viewing will be held Thursday, July 14, 2022, 6-8 pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Dr. Viewing also on Friday, July 15, 1:30-2:30 pm; Funeral 2:30 pm, Interment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please play a round of golf with friends or share a patty melt, his favorite sandwich!
