JOHN DONOVAN “JACK” KELLY

January 10, 1937 – January 16, 2025

On Thursday, January 16, John Donovan “Jack” Kelly passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Jack is survived by his children Tracy Kelly, Colleen Kelly, Mary Kelly, Sheila Gunderson, and Maura Kelly; grandchildren Kelly Cushman, Kendal Chlopek, Sydney Banister, Jackie Esguerra, Katie Esguerra, Paquita Kelly, and Patrick Kelly; great-grandchildren Wyatt Chlopek, and John "Jack" Cushman; his sister Mary Kay Keegan, and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Kelly and Gertrude Kelly nee Donovan; his beloved son, John Donovan “Jack” Kelly, Jr.; and his brothers, Patrick, Michael, and Martin.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on January 10, 1937, Jack attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, where he distinguished himself in basketball, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania on a sports scholarship and was an All-American in basketball and baseball. He was also inducted into the Villanova Hall of Fame in 1996. Jack and Kathie Kelly nee McKenna were married from 1958 to 1987, and together they raised six children. After graduating from Villanova in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, he was signed to the major league baseball Pittsburgh Pirates as a left-handed pitcher. After leaving professional baseball, he relocated his family to New Jersey in 1965. Jack worked his way up in the insurance industry in New York City. He achieved the graduate distinction of chartered life underwriter (CLU) and became a broker assisting corporations and individuals until his retirement. In 2007, MetLife recognized Jack's efforts with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A lifelong athlete, he played competitive tennis for many years after he left professional sports. Jack considered himself a New Yorker after more than 50 years working and living in New York City, and he had many happy memories of the New York Athletic Club, the US Open Tennis Tournament, the Knicks, Yankees and Mets, Broadway performances, and navigating "the City." Jack loved to travel and visited locations around the world. He found strength and peace in his commitment to sobriety and those who shared his journey. Jack loved the sun, enjoyed spending time with his family by the pool in Pottersville, New Jersey, and ultimately settled in Aventura, Florida at the end of his life.

Described by his loved ones as "larger than life," he had a knack for pulling off big surprises, a special gift, an opportunity, or a fantastic experience for the people he loved. Jack lived a big life, and his memory and legacy will impact his family and loved ones for many years in the future.

The family will hold a small private gathering on a future date to honor Jack’s memory. In lieu of a traditional funeral, we invite you to share memories of Jack here. 

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