Obituary for Kenneth K. Kelley
Kenneth K. Kelley, 71, of Erie, a devoted husband, loving father and proud papa, peacefully passed away at his residence on Tuesday August 2, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Erie on July 31, 1951, a son of the late Howard and Winifred Hess Kelley.
Kenneth was a 1969 graduate of East High School and earned his Associate's Degree in Accounting from Erie Business Center. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, serving two tours, one on the USS Collett and the other on the USS James E. Kyes earning four bronze stars with numerous medals and ribbons. Ken worked as an assembler at Reed Manufacturing over 45 years. He enjoyed mentoring youth and coached Boys Baseball, Bay City Football, EYSA soccer and Harborcreek Little Gridders Football. Ken was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for his family. He loved hunting and fishing with his son, son-in-law, grandchildren and his nephews. He also enjoyed fantasy football, playing euchre and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Kelley.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Charlene Fortin Kelley; one daughter Monica Bliss (Jason) of Harborcreek; one son, Alan Kelley (Lauren) of Harborcreek; four grandchildren, Alex, Hailey, Holly, and Carter; his two dogs, Katy and Hershey; one sister, Nancy Kelley of Lawrence Park; two brothers, Howard "Skip" Kelley of Harborcreek and Paul Kelley (Tracy) of Fairview; two dear friends, Jeff Brzostowski and Angie Jeska; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to a graveside service with full military honors at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery on Saturday, August 13th at 11:45 am.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Anna Shelter, 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511 or the Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506.
Kenneth was a 1969 graduate of East High School and earned his Associate's Degree in Accounting from Erie Business Center. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, serving two tours, one on the USS Collett and the other on the USS James E. Kyes earning four bronze stars with numerous medals and ribbons. Ken worked as an assembler at Reed Manufacturing over 45 years. He enjoyed mentoring youth and coached Boys Baseball, Bay City Football, EYSA soccer and Harborcreek Little Gridders Football. Ken was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking for his family. He loved hunting and fishing with his son, son-in-law, grandchildren and his nephews. He also enjoyed fantasy football, playing euchre and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Kelley.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Charlene Fortin Kelley; one daughter Monica Bliss (Jason) of Harborcreek; one son, Alan Kelley (Lauren) of Harborcreek; four grandchildren, Alex, Hailey, Holly, and Carter; his two dogs, Katy and Hershey; one sister, Nancy Kelley of Lawrence Park; two brothers, Howard "Skip" Kelley of Harborcreek and Paul Kelley (Tracy) of Fairview; two dear friends, Jeff Brzostowski and Angie Jeska; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to a graveside service with full military honors at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery on Saturday, August 13th at 11:45 am.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, 16504.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Anna Shelter, 1555 E 10th St, Erie, PA 16511 or the Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Rd, Erie, PA 16506.