John was born on March 16, 1931 in Oneonta, the son of the late James P. and Marguerite (Gilbert) O’Kelly. He married Carol Brown on May 11, 1951.
John worked as a plumbing foreman for more than 30 years for the D&H Railroad. After retiring from the railroad, he worked for 15 years for OPT. He served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the Oneonta American Legion Post 259, the Oneonta Elks Lodge 1312 and the NRA.
He enjoyed shooting pool and was considered by many to be one of Oneonta’s best. He especially enjoyed his Friday meetings with his family and friends at No Place.
John is survived by his wife, Carol Van Hoesen of Oneonta; his children, Judith Pelkey and her husband, Wallace of Alburg, VT, Janet O’Kelly and partner, Marie D’Entrone of Troy, NY, Jonathan O’Kelly and his wife, Lidia of Washington DC, JeriLynne O’Kelly of Sanger, CA and Steve O’Kelly and his wife, Anne of Hobart, IN.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren; his sister, Beverly Thomson and her husband, Richard of Mt. Vision; his sister-in-law, Dorothy O’Kelly of Meredith and many nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents; his two brothers, James and Robert O’Kelly and his granddaughter, Erin Hammac.
A funeral mass will be offered on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 10:15 am in St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
Friends may call on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 from 5 to 7 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 13 Beech Street, Johnson City, NY 13790.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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