Kelley

Dennis J. Kelley, “Kel”, age 72, a life-long resident of Roxborough, PA, passed

away at Lankenau Hospital on March 14, 2025 with his wife by his side. He

was the beloved husband of Kathleen (nee Carroll) with whom he shared 47

years of marriage. Born at Roxborough Memorial Hospital on August 12,

1952, he was the son of the late James and Virginia Kelley (nee Stephens).

Dennis attended St. John the Baptist Grade School (Class of 1966) and was a

proud product of IHM training. He graduated from LaSalle College High

School in 1970 and was a 1974 graduate of Villanova University where he

received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting.

After graduating from Villanova, he started working for the Archdiocese of

Philadelphia in the Accounting Department of the Office of Education. It is

there where he met his wife, Kathy, and they were married at Our Lady of

Ransom Church in 1977. After he left the Archdiocese, he worked for various

School Districts and retired as Business Manager of the Reading School

District in 2009.

Dennis was proud of his Irish heritage. He was a life-long member of St. John

the Baptist Parish, Manayunk. Over the years, he was involved in CYO,

served on the first Pastoral Council, was a Lector at Mass, could be seen in

the early days selling “specials” at the weekly bingo game, served on the

Finance Council and would be involved in the Fourth of July Picnics, Christmas

Bazaars and Parish Jubilee events. He also was a weekly volunteer at

Mother of Mercy House in Kensington until he was diagnosed with leukemia

in 2019. Dennis was a member of the Immaculata Council of the Knights of

Columbus #3933, a 4th Degree Member of the Archbishop Ryan Assembly

#910, a St. John’s Alumni Association member and a member of SJB Senior

Citizens group.

Dennis and Kathy were season ticket holders of Villanova Basketball for over

40 years, enjoyed entertaining at their home in Ocean City, NJ, listening and

dancing to Motown Music, a good gin and tonic, accompanying Kathy on her

various bus trips to New York, watching Judge Judy on TV and his all-time

favorite – Blue Bloods.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Kathy of 47 years. They met when they

both worked in the Office of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of

Philadelphia. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Patricia DiLella (Frank),

Eileen Carroll, 2 nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his

brothers Patrick and Stephen Kelley.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday, March 24, 2025

at St. John the Baptist Church, 119 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA, beginning

at 9:00 am and to his Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment Resurrection

Cemetery, 5201 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dennis’ name may be made to

the Friends of St. John the Baptist,146 Rector Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127

or to Camilla Hall Mission Advancement, 230 IHM Drive, Malvern, PA 19355.

Live Stream Funeral Mass