Patrick J. Kelly

Patrick Kelly was born in Dromintee, County Armagh, Ireland on August 5,1939. His parents, Peter and Bridget, were delighted to add to their growing family. He was at home with his 6 siblings Susan (D), Peter, Michael (D), Sarah (D), Nuala, Mary Kate (D) until he joined his big brother in England. He was 16 years old when he started laboring on the track systems and railroad infrastructure of England. He traveled the length and breadth from Scotland to Wales. In 1960 his Uncle Tom, Aunt Annie and sister Susie convinced Pat to join them in America where he started working for Lofts Candy Manufacturing. During this time he began what would be a lifetime career in HVAC. He joined the US Army in 1963 where he finished his education and achieved citizenship in 1967 while stationed at Fort Dix, NJ. One night in 1965 at a dance in Manhattan he met the lovely Lena McGann from county Longford, Ireland and amongst turns on the dance floor, they argued the merits of their own home counties. They married on his birthday in 1967. Pat continued with his service in the Army until 1969 narrowly missing deployment to Vietnam. He also continued his education and licensing requirements for his career. He took courses at the International Union of Operating Engineers and graduated with Refrigeration and High Pressure Steam Licenses. He worked in various private sector companies such as Klein’s Department store, Schlitz Brewery, and National Cold Storage Facility, before taking a job with NYC Department of Social Services in 1987. That position had him going to buildings and properties throughout the 5 boroughs.

In the meantime, while building his career, he and his wife welcomed their sons Aidan in 1969 and Owen in 1974. Working together they bought a semi-attached house in Bayside NY in 1971. Later in 1988 they moved the family a few blocks away to a larger home in Auburndale. He became an active member in the parish of OLBS. Embracing his community, he played Gaelic football for the County Louth Team in Gaelic Park from 1965 through 1980. He used his lifetime of experience to coach the Bayside Youth Soccer league for many seasons in the 80’s. He joined the American Legion Post 123 and held the title of Commander for 3 years. He was an active Union member of IUOE Local 30. He also enjoyed his membership with Knights of Columbus. He honored his Irish roots by joining the Armagh County Association and as an officer of the Irish American Society. His hobbies were watching any and every sport, but his favorite teams were NY Yankees, NY Jets and Armagh Football. He was an avid golfer and would sign up for charity events often. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Celebrating his son Aidan’s marriage to Lisa and his son Owen’s marriage to Jennifer.

He was overjoyed when he became a grandfather in 2005 when Aidan’s first son CJ was born, then Shane in 2007 and Michael in 2010. His grandfatherly pride growing in the stands as he watched his grandsons, take up sports and activities. Patrick and his wife Lena enjoyed 68 years of marriage together. He is loved and greatly mourned, may he rest in peace.

The family of Patrick J. Kelly will be receiving visitors at Frederick Funeral Home, located at 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, on July 7, 2025, from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 8th, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, 34-24 203rd St, Auburndale, NY 11361, at 10:45am and a prayer service following at All Souls Crematory, 72-02 Astoria Blvd S, East Elmhurst, NY 11370, at 1pm.