Albert Joseph Kelly III

Albert J. Kelly passed away April 24, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 14, 1943, to Agnes Marie Kelly (nee Lavery) and Albert Joseph Kelly, Jr, Albert was raised in northeast Philadelphia with his older sister and closest confidant, Charlotte. Albert graduated from Father Judge High School in 1962. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served during the Vietnam Conflict as a Radioman Petty Officer Second Class (E-5), on a destroyer. Albert took great pride in his service to his country and served in his role from 1962 until 1966. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Al attended Community College of Philadelphia and Temple University, where he studied Criminal Justice. Al joined the Philadelphia Police Force on April 20, 1970 and began as a patrolman, Badge # 4221. While working, he attended the Philadelphia Police University and was promoted to Detective, Badge #958, in 1976. Al was then assigned to West Detectives and was later assigned to the Philadelphia International Airport. Al retired from the force on May 17, 1990. During his career, he was awarded several Official Commendations, Merit Awards, and a Unit Award for the S.I.U. Auto Squad. Albert was also featured multiple times for his participation in the Delinquent 49 Marathon. He also served as the Vice Commander of the American Legion Post #166, Homosassa, Florida, from 2016 to 2018. Al attended numerous veterans and community service events, and taught troops of Boy Scouts how to properly dispose of American flags. After retiring from the Philadelphia Police Department, Al moved to Florida where he continued to work, holding positions in the U.S. Department of Commerce and Amcor International, followed by several years as a supervisor for the Home Shopping Network in loss prevention. Al spent the majority of his life in service to his country. However, his most important titles, and those he took the greatest pride in, were "Dad" and "P-Pop". Al was a hard-working and dedicated father to Michael, Joseph, Lisa, Beth and Sean. They remember his joy for life, his sharp wit and charm, which never went unnoticed. Always the life of the party, he approached every challenge with strength and humor! Al is also survived by his grandchildren Kayla, Ryan, Allie, Shannon and Alyssa. Additionally, Al will be missed by his niece Holly and nephew Eddie, as well as good friends. Most importantly, he will be fondly remembered as a dad, grandfather, uncle and friend who was always there to help others, especially when it came to anything mechanical. Al was the guy who could put anything together or fix almost anything that was broken. He was always ahead of his time in keeping up with the latest technology, and will be remembered as a "gadget guy". In his free time, when he wasn't tinkering with his tools, he loved to boat and fish, and swim with the sharks as a certified scuba instructor, travel the world, drive cool cars, and enjoy a few cold ones. He was an avid animal lover and his home was filled with a large variety of pets over the years, including dogs, a cat, parrots, ducks, tortoises, fish and more! Al was also a dedicated amatuer photographer, even having several of his photos featured in the local paper. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Albert; his sister Charlotte, and his son Michael. His family will miss him terribly, but take heart in the fact that he is at peace. Military Honors Service and Catholic Rite Of Committal will take place on Thurs., May 12, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. from Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida with military honors rendered by the United States Navy and American Legion Post #155 Honor Guard. Catholic Rite Of Committal will be given by Deacon Jose Cruz of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Spring Hill, Florida. www.wilderfuneral.com