Deacon John J. Kelly, age 91, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility. Jack was born in North Tonawanda May 2, 1932, a son of the late John T. and Catherine C. (Deneen) Kelly. He was raised in Batavia where he graduated from high school and began his long journey in education. After high school, he went on to earn a business degree (BBA) from Niagara University. At this point in his life, Jack decided to serve his country honorably in the United States Army from 1955-1957 as a special agent in the Counterintelligence Corps during the Korean War. Upon returning form the war, Jack continued his educational pursuits and earned an (EdM, EdD) from the University of Rochester. He taught Business Administration at the start of his career. For the balance of his career he was the Superintendent of Schools at Henderson CSD, Beaver River CSD, and Letchworth Central before retiring in 1984 after 25 years in education. Jack was ordained as a deacon in the church in 1980 and has been a Pastoral Associate for over 40 years. Jack was a longtime member at St. Michael's Church in Warsaw serving as their Deacon. Jack served his community on the board of directors for Home Care and Hospice, the Genesee Wyoming YMCA Board, the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), and a longtime Chaplain for Post #4823 of the VFW in Warsaw. His life was his family, faith, and service to others.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Julia Kelly, a brother, James Kelly DDS, and a grandson, J. Thomas Kelly.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy (Phillips) Kelly, four daughters, Colleen (William) Lefeve, Marie Kelly, Mary (Kevin) Clarke, Barbara (Alec) Englehart, two sons, John (Christina) Kelly, Timothy (Stephanie) Kelly, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church at 10am, Friday, January 26th 2024. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors. Weeks Funeral Home 123 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569 has the arrangements. Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences, send gifts, cards or to plant a tree in Jack's name. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to St. Michael's Church at 171 N. Main Street Warsaw, NY 14569.