Skip Kelley

Skip Kelley took his last breath surrounded by his adoring family on December 11, 2022, after a six-year battle with cancer. He left this earth just days after his 77th birthday comfortably and quietly in his home of 47 years. He was born in Hackensack to parents Bernard Kelley and Josephine Kelley (nee Toomey) and raised in Allendale, New Jersey. He was a loving husband, an amazing father of four children, and an adoring Pop-Pop to his four grandchildren.

Skip led a long, proud life of service, starting as an Airman in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1964-1968, including a deployment to Vietnam. He continued his life of service as the consummate volunteer in what became his beloved hometown of Westwood, where he served as a little league coach, Councilman, Mayor, and member of countless boards, commissions, and committees.

Where he truly found his niche in his service to others was as a mentor to those struggling with alcohol abuse. Behind the scenes, Skip guided and supported hundreds of people as they transitioned into sobriety. He loved to travel, visiting family and going on cruises. He retired in 2008 after a 25-year career with the County of Bergen, and had a very successful second career in real estate until he decided to retire for good.

He was predeceased way too soon by his younger brother Tommy in 1968, and by his father and mother in 1984 and 1990 respectively. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Nina, who stood steadfastly by his side; his children Tom, Tim, Chris and his wife Erika, and Erin and her husband Chris Kellett; his grandchildren Chris, Amanda, Shane and Colleen; his sisters Sheila Kelley, Joy Schepisi, and Pam Morey; and a myriad of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 3-8PM at Becker Funeral Home located at 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 11:30AM at the Garden of Memories located at 300 Soldier Hill Rd, Washington Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Skip’s name be made to The Valley Hospital Foundation - Hospice Care by mail to The Valley Hospital Foundation - Hospice Care, 223 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 or via their website at https://www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org/donate.