John (‘Jack’) S. Kelly
John S. Kelly passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 5th, 2021, surrounded by family, after an extended illness. He was 93.
He was born on Oct. 30, 1928, in Dover, N.J., to Anna V. (nee Brennan) and William S. Kelly.
John, or Jack as he was known, was united in marriage to Rose M. Fiorello on September 26, 1953, in Netcong, N.J. They moved to Oak Ridge, N.J., in 1956 and maintained a home there for the next 65 years. Jack and Rose renewed their vows in front of family and friends in 2018.
Jack and Rose were blessed with three children, Joan Romanyschyn and her husband, Joseph of Port Jervis, N.Y., Stephen of Mount Arlington, N.J., and Karen Geruntho and her husband, Bryan, of Mayer, Minn. They were joined by four grandchildren, Erik Romanyschyn and his wife, Eliza of Pine Bush, N.Y., Caren Cremen and her husband, Christopher of Abington, Pa., Kevin Geruntho of Eagan, Minn., and Vincent Geruntho of Plymouth, Minn., as well as cherished great-grandchildren, Eleanor Cremen and Louis Romanyschyn.
Jack entered the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served for several years before beginning his career at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, where he was employed as an mechanical engineering technician for over 37 years. He was a longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Oak Ridge. Jack was a lifelong volunteer, and was an active member of many organizations, including Jefferson Township Fire Department #1, The Optimist Club of Jefferson, American Legion Post #423, St. Thomas The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #5510, Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), and Jefferson Township Historical Society, In addition, Jack was a founding member of Milton First Aid Squad, Jefferson Highlights Community Television, and the Jefferson Arts Committee.
He was founder and chairperson of the DPD’s Wiegand Farm Golf Classic, raising more than $5,000,000 for people in need throughout its 47-year history. Jack served on the Jefferson Township Planning Board and Board of Adjustment, The Board of Trustees of Jefferson Township Library, Regional Coordinator of the Morris County Citizens for Open Space, President of the Morris County Parks Commission, The Department for Persons with Disabilities Board of Trustees, and was Chairperson of the Jefferson Township Cable TV Franchise Committee. In 2000, Jack was named Jefferson Township’s first Citizen of the Year for his dedication to community service, with the award being named in his honor. In 2002 he was named DPD Person of the Year, and in 2004 a street at the Weigand Farms facility on Weldon Road was named in his honor, “Kelly Way.”
In his spare time, Jack enjoyed visiting area casinos and traveling with Rose, playing golf, and family genealogy research. In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Jack is survived by sisters and brother-in-law, Josephine Defelice of Succasunna, Joan Howard of Wharton, and Michael Fiorello of Stanhope, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose, parents Anna and William, and sister Anne Maureen.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, N.J.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Visiting Angels of Sparta and Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey for their kindness and compassion, the Milton First Aid Squad for always being there when needed, and to Athena Scott for her love and support in her care for “Mr. Jack.” Jack was a humble man, a true gentleman, whose dedication to his family, faith, friends, and community knew no bounds.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to to: Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Milton NJ 07438; Visiting Angels, 328 Sparta Ave, Sparta NJ 07871; or to your favorite charity. Also, please consider volunteering your time and talents to an organization of choice.
Arrangements were by Stickle Soltesz Funeral Home.