John (Jack) Patrick Kelly

September 2, 1932 - April 5, 2022

Jack Kelly passed away on April 5, 2022. Jack was born to William and Marie Kelly in NYC, NY, September 2, 1932. He lived in Newark, NJ for a time after his father died, and his mother remarried James Smart. The family moved to Pompton Plains, NJ, where Jack attended Butler High School and excelled in athletics there, and later was recruited to play basketball at Montclair State College. He met and married Joan Barrett in 1953. They remained married 68 years, having seven children, 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Jack held numerous jobs, beginning at age 12 in a bagel bakery in the Bronx. He was employed with New Jersey Bell in the 50’s, and SK&F Pharmaceuticals in the 60’s & 70’s. In 1974 he moved his family of nine from New Jersey to Longwood, Florida. He and Joan owned and operated The Medicine Chest drugstore and pharmacy in Sweetwater Oaks from 1976 to 1980. His enduring legacy from that period was the creation of the hand-delivered “Treasure Chest” flyer which originally combined a store sale page with a ‘classified ads’ page for customers in the community. The Treasure Chest was a huge success, was sold years later, and is still in print today. Jack took a position with Goodings Supermarkets in 1978, and eventually became Vice President of Human Resources, working for the store chain for 20 years. Because his faith in Jesus Christ was paramount and sharing it was his great joy, once retired, he was free to serve in ministry as he felt called. He worked with Crown Ministries and Christian Help, where he often guided people in the areas of finance and employment. He had a real gift for helping young adults discover their gifts and strengths, helping them translate that information into suitable careers. During this time, he also authored several books, including one about sharing one’s faith on the golf course, which he did often. He loved music and songwriting, teaching any of his children who would sit still long enough to play the guitar. He put a golf club in the hands of his children early on, and shared his basketball skills with the boys and girls alike. His enthusiasm for those things endured in the next two generations of Kellys. We, his family, celebrate the long life of this outstanding and faithful man, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Joan Kelly, his children Tim Kelly (Laura), Eileen Kelly, Judy Black (Steve), Jim Kelly (Janet), Patty Norman (Neil), Chip Kelly (Bonnie) and Susan Mythen (Scott). He has left us with a rich legacy in his exemplary life filled with faith, love and service. Jack Kelly has gone home to receive his heavenly reward and to hear his Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The family of Jack Kelly invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.