Philip E. Kelly Sr

Phillip E. Kelly Sr., 63, of Bessemer died on  Thursday, November 8, 2012 at his residence following an illness.

Mr. Kelly was born in Ellwood City, May 24, 1949 to the late Robert Kelly and Lillian Craven Kelly Feree.  He was the eldest child of 12 children.  he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Jr. and his sister, Joyce Cortez.  He is survived by five sisters; Diana Sackin, Virginia Mount, Patricia Ollinger, Brenda Miller and Cindy Kelly, and four brothers; Richard, Tim, Danny and Kenneth Kelly.  He was baptized in the Baptist faith and believed in God his savior.  He was a Christian man.

He was husband to Rose Herr, married June 6, 1970.  He was father to Phillip E. (Nancy) Kelly Jr.  of New River, AZ and daughter Paula S. Kelly of New Castle.  He had 4 grandsons; Christopher Merriman, Andrew Merriman, Phillip Kelly III, and Matthew  Kelly.  He had 1 granddaughter, Sylvia R. Perrone of New Castle, PA.  He had many nephews and nieces.  He was a very dedicated family man, who cherished his children.  He was a friend and confidant to all who knew him,.  Was generous to a fault with his money and friendship.  Christmas was in his heart throughout the years.

He served our Country with the US Army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War.  He held the rank of Sergeant First Class E-7.  He retired from the Army in 1995.  He had various medals and citations for his service, including the Meritorious Service Medal, The Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 Battle Stars.  He received the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Mr. Kelly worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at New Castle, PA  as a welder until his retirement in 1999, with 30 years of service.  he received the Secretary of Transportations’s Award for Excellence and Dedicated Service.

He was active in Veterans Groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the New Castle Area Honor Guard and Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He served as a Commander and Service Officer.

He was a sportsman who enjoyed hunting, shooting and fishing.  He also was an avid gardener whose passion was to see his garden of vegetables and flowers grow.  Donating much of his produce to family, friends and those less fortunate.

He will be sadly missed by wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, family, and all that knew him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday November 10, from 3 until the time of service, which will be conducted at 7 pm by Pastor Dick Allen.

Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery, Beaver Falls on Monday November 12, at 12 noon with Military Services conducted by the New Castle Veterans Honor Guard.