John Patrick Kelly

June 17, 1935-December 3, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and abiding faith that we announce the passing of John Patrick Kelly, lovingly known to friends as Jack or Jackson, who entered eternal rest at home surrounded by family on December 3, 2025, at the age of 90. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, lived his life guided by love, humor, and a generous spirit.

Born on June 17, 1935, to Mary Rogan and Peter Kelly, natives of Ireland who immigrated in the early 1900’s. John was the baby of the family with two older brothers, Austin and Peter, and an older sister, Peggy, to whom he was close. John grew up in the Bronx, New York. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School. Before he graduated, he was recruited and awarded a full-ride academic scholarship to attend Fordham University in the Bronx. At Fordham John pursued his studies in business and finance with distinction and graduated with Honors in 1957.

He proudly served his country for two tours in the Army. He demonstrated courage, honor, and steadfast commitment to serve his country. While serving in the Army, John landed his first professional position with Shell Oil Company. Over the course of more than 38 years, his career took the family from New York to Houston, Texas, then to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a time, before returning to Texas. In 1974, they settled in Kingwood, where he lived for the last 51 years. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to the ranks of Chief Financial Officer for Shell Pipeline, a role in which he exemplified leadership, integrity, and vision. He retired in 1992 to travel with his wife, Alice.

As a teenager, John met the love of his life, Alice Cassidy Kelly. They were married on January 18, 1958, beginning a union filled with devotion, laughter, and enduring love. Together they raised four children and built a home rooted in faith and family, sharing forty years of marriage until Alice’s passing in 1998. Though his beloved wife preceded him in death, John carried her memory tenderly throughout his life.

His greatest joy was his family, whom he cherished and nurtured with unwavering devotion. A man of faith, John was a longtime member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Kingwood, Texas, where he attended Mass faithfully every Sunday and found strength in prayer. He embodied the values of compassion, service, and forgiveness, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

John is survived by his three children and their spouses: Kevin Gerard Kelly and his wife Patricia of Beebe, Arkansas; Geralyn Kelly Sullivan and her husband Daniel of Kingwood; and Stephen Gerard Kelly and his wife Amal of Kingwood. Also, part of the family is Diana Lundahl Kelly, of Bullard, Texas. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice in 1998 and his daughter Kathleen Geralyn Kelly in 2011. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, including Maegan Kelly Merritt and her husband Caleb Merritt of Bullard, Texas, Kelly Sullivan McGriff and her husband TJ McGriff of Kingwood, Sarah Kelly and her fiancée Cody Castellanos of Bullard, Texas, Michael Patrick Sullivan and his girlfriend Michaela Hornback of Kingwood, Grace Kelly of Kingwood, and Hope Kelly. His legacy continues through his great grandchildren: Maci Rae Merritt, Harper Anne McGriff, Cooper Wayne Merritt, Casey West Merritt, Riley Georgia McGriff, Camden West Merritt, and Daniel Keith McGriff, who brought him immense joy and laughter in his later years.

Visitation will be at Kingwood Funeral Home, located at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, Texas 77339, on January 4, 2026, will begin at 4:00 p.m-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service from 5:00-5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be January 5, 2026, at St. Martha’s Catholic Church, 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Kingwood, Texas 77365, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A committal service will follow on January 5, 2026, at Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sunshine warm your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.