Joseph Kendall Kelly

Joseph Kendall Kelly, age 63, passed away in his home in Laurel, Maryland, on July 15, 2024.

Joe was born on September 14, 1960, in Bermuda, to John and Patricia (Sullivan) Kelly. He was the oldest of seven children—ten years older than the youngest. He was best friend to John, rule follower to Karen, big brother to play sports with to Kevin, Kelly representative to Susan’s children, hero to Mark, and frequent golf buddy to Keith. But to all of them, he was kind and giving and they all got his humor, especially Mark. His siblings cannot watch a Dan Aykrod movie without thinking of him. He was a lover of vegetables, classical music, and the rock band Rush. More importantly, he was a great older brother to all!

Joe represented the best of his parents. He was devoted to his family, faith, and golf game like his father, and he was blessed with an abundance of patience, love, and compassion like his mother.  Though his navigation skills left a lot to be desired.  Magellan he wasn’t.

After criss-crossing the country in his youth as his father was transferred to various air force bases, he joined the air force at age 18 and worked as an intelligence analyst for the defense sector until he retired in 2022. His retirement goal was to golf his way around the country and then settle in Richland, Washington, with his daughter and grandchildren. But first he decided to put his retirement plans on hold to care for a family friend who was fighting cancer.

Joe had a big heart and showed his love through acts of service. Whether it was protecting endangered native plants, cleaning someone’s house, walking around with his newborn grandchild in the middle of the night, or being there for a dying friend, he was ready and willing to serve. He loved his family, golf, slapstick comedies, and watching his daughter parent her children using the dry humor he instilled in her.

Joe had a weird golf swing. If he was teaching you, he’d tell you not to do as he did. But in everything else, it would be wise to follow his example of generosity and service. And the next time you curse out of frustration on the golf course, do it in Joe’s honor and then have a glass of beer for him—he would probably recommend trying the local IPA.

Joe is survived by six siblings, one daughter, four grandchildren and too many nieces and nephews to count. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Margaret Sullivan, and John Joseph Kelly.

A service for Joe will be held at 10:00 a.m. on August 24 at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A. in Laurel, Maryland, preceded by visitation at 9:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity such as Waterkeeper Alliance . Joe loved rivers, especially the Shenandoah. He enjoyed floating in the current, sitting in the rapids, and picking up any trash he found on the shore. It seems fitting to help protect our rivers in his memory.

Waterkeeper Alliance
180 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York NY 10038
Tel: 1-212-747-0622
Email: info@waterkeeper.org
Web: https://waterkeeper.org/donate/