J. Donald Kelley

J. Donald Kelley, 82, a native and lifelong resident of New Orleans, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 25, 2012. Beloved husband of Patricia V. Kelley. Mr. Kelley is survived by his children: Kevin P. Kelley and his wife Alicia R. Kelley, Timothy P. Kelley, Glenn P. Kelley, and Kristen Kelley Singer wife of David Singer; brother Francis J. Kelley, Jr.; and grandchildren Liam Kelley, Sean Kelley, Shannon Kelley, and Camille Singer. He was preceded in death by his parents: Anna May Abadie Kelley and Francis J. Kelley, Sr.

Mr. Kelley was a graduate of St. Paul's High School and after military service in the United States Army, entered Louisiana State University in 1950 where he studied electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1953. After graduation he worked for Joseph E. Leininger and & Associates and then as a design engineer for Waldemar S. Nelson and Co. Following a lifelong passion for art, in the 1960’s he studied painting under the noted artist John McCrady at his studio in the French Quarter. He was head of the electrical engineering department at deLaureal and Moses Engineers, Inc. from 1961 until 1967, after which he founded the Kelson Corporation with Mr. Andrew Benson and served as president of both Kelley Control and Kelson until 1992.

He designed and manufactured electrical control panels for numerous public and private enterprises including the New Orleans Convention Center, the Louisiana Superdome, the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, the Port of New Orleans, the Marshall Space Center, the Port of New York, and the Port of Long Beach, California; many of which remain in service to this day.

He was deeply devoted to Catholic spiritual life in New Orleans and taught catechism at St. Rita's Catholic Church. He was a fixture at the Jesuit High School and St. Pius School fairs, and is remembered for inventing an oyster shucking device which greatly facilitated the process of extracting oysters, one his favorite activities. He served as a captain at the Manresa house of retreats in Convent, Louisiana where he attended more than thirty spiritual retreats. He was a past President of the Celtic Club of New Orleans, and was a member of several organizations including the Louisiana Engineering Society, the Knights of Columbus, the St. Dominick Men's Club, and the St. Pius Men's Club.

Family and friends are invited are invited to the Funeral Mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Ave on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM till Mass time. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at schoencanalstreet.com