John Thomas Kelly

John Thomas Kelly died peacefully on November 1, 2025 from complications related to dementia. His wife of 19 years, Nancy, was by his side throughout his journey. John was a man of strong Catholic faith. He was a joy to be around, always with a smile, twinkling blue eyes, and hugs for anyone he knew and loved.

A celebration of John's life will be held at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex North Carolina on Thursday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, family members will gather in Maplewood Cemetery, Durham NC for interment of his cremains.

John was born to Joseph Michael and Mary Connolly Kelly in 1939, number 12 out of 13 children. He liked to tell the story that he was “John II”, because the first John died in infancy. John spent most of his life in Anaheim CA, later relocating to Bristol VA and then to Cary NC.

John leaves behind 2 sons, Joseph (Mary) and Sean (Amy), 2 step-children, James (Angie) and Robin (Erik), 3 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and family dogs. He is predeceased by his parents and his 12 siblings.

During his life, John proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He loved sports, especially soccer, which he coached and refereed for many years. John loved golfing with Nancy. His golf goal was to beat Nancy, which he was able to do only once after learning how to keep score correctly. John owned his own Santa suit, happily substituting for the real Santa at family, neighborhood, and church events. John was a life-long, faithful, and joyful Catholic, serving his church communities in many capacities. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, holding many offices in his beloved benevolent association.

John’s smile lit up the room, His sparkling blue eyes twinkled like he was always into mischief. John was sacrificially generous with his time, talent, and treasure to anyone who asked, With his friendly, outgoing personality he made friends effortlessly wherever he went. He was a loving, kind, gentle man who was, in his words, “here to serve.” He will be missed by anyone who knew him and most especially by those who loved him.

John and his family would like to thank the staff at Wake Med Cary, SECU Hospice House in Smithfield, his church family at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, his caretaker Cindy with whom he worked endless jigsaw puzzles, and our wonderful neighbors who fed us, watched over us, prayed and cared for us during the advanced stages of his disease.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting the family.