Kelly, The Reverend John T.

ALBANY-The Rev. John T. Kelly, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born in Albany and raised in Boston, MA he was the son of the late Marion (Riley) Kelly Ryan and John T. Kelly. After attending Cardinal O’Connell minor seminary in Boston he did his philosophical studies at St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester, NY and his theological studies at St. Maur Seminary in Kentucky. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1961 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop William A. Scully.

After his ordination Father was assigned to St. Joseph’s in Schenectady and then as associate pastor of St. Mary’s in Albany with teaching responsibilities at Cathedral Academy. He also served as associate pastor at St. Michael’s in Troy (while teaching at Catholic Central High School) and St. Pius X in Loudonville. In 1973 Father was appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Greenville where he served for fourteen years; during that time he also was appointed Dean of Greene County. He served as chaplain at Memorial Hospital in Albany from 1987 until his retirement in January of this year. He loved this ministry and his dedication to the sick and their families was well-known. Father Kelly ministered to and was loved by his family over the past 54 years. Father also served as chaplain to several religious woman congregations in the Albany area during his active ministry. His most recent priestly service was generously offering to celebrate Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Albany.

On the occasion of his 50th Jubilee, Father Kelly was quoted in The Evangelist, “It has been especially rewarding to witness how former students, altar servers and youth group members have grown into admirable, mature adults-and now to count them among my friends. Over the years, there has never been a shortage of wonderful people who have shown me compassion, forgiveness and support in the face of my own shortcomings and failures- and for this I am most grateful. I enthusiastically urge young men to give priesthood serious consideration for the sheer joy and satisfaction that comes with preaching the Gospel and celebrating the sacred mysteries.”

May the Lord welcome Father John into the heavenly kingdom and may he be granted eternal life and peace for his more than 54 years of faithful service.

Father is survived by his sister, Margaret R. Machlin of NYC; his uncle, James “Don” (the late Nettie) Riley of Albany; cousins, Donna R. Sullivan (Jeff) of Albany, NY, Michael J. Riley (Maureen) of Hilton Head, SC, Mark P. Riley (Susan) of Alpharetta, GA, Matthew J. Riley (Leslie) of North Greenbush, NY, Catherine R. Daley (Bob) of Queensbury, NY, Peter J. Kelly of Moorestown, NJ, Thomas G. Kelly of Brookline, MA, Brian J. Kelly of Napa, CA, Mary Ann Kelly-Bidwell of Northampton, MA, Margaret Mary Kelly of Belchertown, MA, James R. Kelly of Mandeville, LA, Mark J. Kelly of Knderhook, NY, John T. Hoffman of Black Mountain, NC, Marie Hoffman Price of Austin, TX, Anne Hoffman Medio of Charleston, SC, Carl T. Hoffman and Phillip D. Hoffman both of Gulf Breeze, FL, as well as his brother Priests of the Albany Diocese.

Father Kelly’s wake will be held Sunday June 14, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave., Albany. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Madison Ave, and Eagle St., Albany at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 15th. The Most Reverend Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D., Bishop of Albany will be the principal celebrant. Father Kelly will be buried in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.

In lieu of flowers, Father requested donations to Albany Memorial Hospital, 600 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204.