Martin “Marty” Kelly, 69, of Chesapeake, Virginia died Sunday, September 10, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by the love, prayers and presence of his family. Marty loved his faith, his family, and his company Jo-Kell Inc., which he led for 45 years as co-owner and president. His “Jo-Kellians” meant the world to him.
Marty was born June 2, 1954 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Joseph and Marianne Elnora Kelly.
Marty graduated from Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA. He was passionately Catholic and a leader in the Knights of Columbus Council 8240, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. Marty will be remembered by the Knights and his family as an accomplished “chef”, having cooked thousands of meals for the Council Spaghetti Dinners, Fish Fries, Valentine Dinner Dances and Parish Picnics. Marty was a parishioner at St. Benedict’s in Chesapeake, Virginia, and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
Marty was an avid reader and history lover and was an accomplished high school basketball coach. He was a gifted listener and story-teller, was generous with his time and made a difference in the lives of many. Marty loved the water and cruising on his boat, the Deo Gratias.
Marty is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Kelly, his four siblings, Joanne (John) Baines, Michael Kelly, Karen Smith, Julie (Tommy) Hart, his four children, John (Kathryn) Kelly, Nicole (Alex) Allaire, Kaitlyn (Jeremy) Moss, and Mary (Kevin) Kopf. Marty is also survived by 14 beautiful grandchildren (including one expected in October 2023) Henry, Mary Jo, Therese, Gemma, Joy, John Paul, and Charlie Allaire; Silas, Aidan, Bode, and Cecilia Moss; and Martin and Eleanor Kopf and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14th, 5:30-7:00PM at Hardage-Giddans Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd. A Requiem Mass will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1950 Bartram Rd., Jacksonville, with interment immediately following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will also be held at St. Benedict’s Parish in Chesapeake, on Oct. 4th at 8:00AM. A Celebration of Marty’s Life will be held on the evening of Oct. 4th. Refer to www.jokell.com for details.
The family requests prayers and Holy Masses offered for the repose of the soul of Marty.
Memorial donations may be made, in Marty’s name, to:
St. Michael's Building Fund: St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 1950 Bartram Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207
St. Benedict's Building Fund: St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 521 McCosh Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Knights of Columbus: Council 8240, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 621 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Kelly family.
