Mr. Howard E. Kelley, age 87 of Potsdam, NY passed away on September 26th at his home surrounded by his loving family and Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. Arrangements are with the Garner Funeral Service. Friends may call on Monday, October 1st at the Garner Funeral Service from 4-7pm. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday the 2nd at 10:30 am at the Garner Funeral Service with Rev. Garry Giroux and Rick Vaillancourt officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam, NY. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, to the VA Hospital in Syracuse, NY or to a charity of one’s choice.
Howard is survived by his companion Edith Norman, a son Andrew (Lori) Kelley of Syracuse, NY; daughters Karen (William) Mulvaugh of Shallotte, NC, Cynthia (Richard) Murray of Pierrepont, NY, Mary Louise (Gary) Carlson of Ashland, MA; 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Rosalind Kelley, a son George Kelley, a daughter Rosalyn Doughty, sister-in-law Clementine-Louise Reynolds, and brothers Girard “Gerry” and Andrew “Bud” Kelley.
Mr. Howard E. Kelley was born on March 12, 1931 in Utica, NY to the late Andrew J. Kelley, Sr. and Clare Kelly. He was a 1950 graduate of Potsdam Central High School where he excelled in Track and Field. He then served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and he toured South America. In 1951 at St. Mary’s Church in Potsdam he was married to Rosalind “Rody” Widrick for 53 years. She passed away on January 20th 2005.
Howard was a truck driver for Wonder Bread and then for Nabisco before going to work for the United States Postal Service where he worked the window in Potsdam for many years until his retirement. Howard was very involved in the Potsdam Elks Lodge Post 2074. He was the former District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Past State Vice President, Past Potsdam Exalted Ruler and Grand Lodge Member (which required at least 50 years of service). He also did a lot of traveling with the Elks Lodge and loved to golf. Howard was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Howard was very active with seniors’ clubs and square dancing. He was a member of the Colton Senior’s Club and the Skirts and Flirts for many years.
