Francis W. Kelly

Francis lived on Hollins St. in Baltimore City where he would find and grow up with the love of his life, Dolores Murphy. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph’s High school in 1948. Just 10 day after Francis and Dolores married, in September 1952, he would have to leave his new bride and proudly serve in the US Army during the Korean War for the next 2 long years. Returning to his life in Baltimore, Francis would begin his 38 year career with the C&P Telephone Company as a Cable-splicer. Wasting no time, the couple raised 4 children, and have 5 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. His family was most important to him. In retirement, Francis would take on a new role as his family’s handyman and painter. Over the years, he would repair and paint his children’s, grandchildren’s, family, and neighbors homes. There was nothing this man could not fix. In his elder years, he cherished a good meal, long conversation, and a spirited game of Phase 10 with his family.

Francis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27 at his home in BrightView Assisted Living, surrounded by family.

He is survived by daughter, Patricia Kathleen Mattingly, son-in- law, Scott David Mattingly, son, Michael Patrick Kelly, daughter-in-law, Frances Evelyn Kelly, son, Brian Francis Kelly, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie Lynn Smith. He is also survived by grandchildren Kelly Harden, Timothy Mattingly, Danielle Ray, Kimberly Harp, and Tara Wrightson, and great grandchildren Conner Harden, Madisyn Harp, Morgan Harp, Lucas Ray, and Addison Ray.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Josephine Kelly, and son, Timothy James Kelly.

A visitation for Francis will be held Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sterling-Ashton-Schwab-Witzke Funeral Home of Catonsville, Inc., 1630 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228. A funeral service will occur 10:00 AM, Monday, February 23, 2026 at the funeral home. A committal service follow at 11:30 AM at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, 11501 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills, MD 21117.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, online or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741