Obituary of Dennis J. Kelley

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