Michael R. Kelly

Michael Robert Kelly, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024.  He was born to Joseph and Kathryn Kelly (nee Haggerty) and was raised in Bordentown, New Jersey.  Michael attended Trenton Catholic High School where he finished first in his class.  Michael attended Rider College on a full scholarship and graduated near the top of his class with a degree in Business Administration.  Following graduation he served in the United States Navy, traveling throughout the South Pacific, and he became an officer in the United States Naval Reserve.

Michael married Patricia Ahearn on December 28, 1957, and the couple settled in Hamilton Township, where they were parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows and raised their three children, Kevin, Maureen and Michele.  Michael volunteered as a coach for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and enthusiastically supported his children’s athletic and artistic activities.  As the first college graduate in his family, Michael was immensely proud to provide each of his children with a college education.

Following his stint in the Navy, Michael worked for forty years at Process Research Products (PRP) in Trenton, NJ, a manufacturer of specialty chemicals that was established in 1958. PRP has grown and flourished under the original ownership group, which is a testament to Michael’s leadership, business acumen and calm demeanor.  After retirement Michael and Patricia lived in Barnegat, NJ, where they were parishioners of St. Mary’s Parish in Barnegat. 

Throughout his life Michael was an avid sports fan, particularly of Notre Dame and the Philadelphia sports teams.  He enjoyed going to the beach and playing bridge with Patricia and their close friends.  Michael made several trips to Ireland to trace his family’s genealogy and further immerse himself in Irish history and culture, particularly the struggle for independence.  Michael was a voracious reader and lifelong Democrat who taught his children to follow the lessons of the Kennedys and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to seek a just and peaceful world.  

Michael was dedicated to his family, and looked forward to seeing his grandchildren, whether at sports events, school plays, vacations and holidays.  He also was dedicated to his aunts, cousins, nephews, and close friends, with whom he enjoyed warm and lasting relationships.  To those who knew Michael, he will be remembered for his selflessness, abiding faith, and wonderful sense of humor.

Michael is predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia, who passed away on October 31, 2024.  He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Richard, Joseph, and James.  Michael had three children, Kevin Barry Kelly (married to Rosanne Lufrano) who lives in South Orange, NJ; Maureen Ann Kelly (1960-2020), and Michele Kelly, who lives in Bellingham, MA.  Michael also had four grandchildren, Thomas, Taryn, Amelia, and Jerika.

A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Barnegat, NJ on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. (www.BarnegatFH.com)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mental Health Association of Ocean County and Libraries without Borders. 

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