Michael Kelly, 75, of Lancaster, died on February 12, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia on November 8, 1947 to the late Francis and Sarah (Cooke) Kelly. He attended Father Judge High School and Temple University before serving in the U.S. Army at Pearl Harbor during which time he married Marianne (Lutz). They celebrated 51 years of loving marriage on December 18. He then received a degree in nursing from Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y. Michael and Marianne moved to Lancaster in 1979 where he worked as an R.N. at St. Joseph Hospital before devoting himself to raising their two daughters. He later continued his caregiving with Visiting Angels until his retirement.
Michael enjoyed running road races, walking, noticing the wonders of nature, good literature, a variety of music (especially Bach), lively conversation, and laughter. His twinkling eyes, gentle smile, and wicked sense of humor will be sorely missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Deirdre Loughridge (Conor) and Rachel Unger (David) and five grandchildren Noah, Blaise, and Artemis Loughridge, and Rosemary and Michael Unger, two sisters-in-law Rita and Marilyn Kelly and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by three brothers, John, Christopher, and Francis Kelly.
Visitation with family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 18th, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601. The Rev. Thomas Meinert will serve as celebrant. Burial will occur immediately following the service at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
The family is grateful for the particular devotion with which Marianne cared for Michael in his final years and for the compassionate care he received in the Apostles Center at Homestead Village. Donations in Michael’s memory can be made to the Homestead Village Endowment Fund (homesteadvillage.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Ryan Tritch says
Michael was the father of Rachel Kelly, one of my good friends to this day. Michael was so kind and his laugh was contagious. Whenever he broke into laughter, I did too. I will forever remember my high school and college years running past the Kelly household. Whenever Michael would see me coming, he’d pop out to say hi. Always so animated and excitable, he never wanted to keep me for long because, “he didn’t want my heartbeat to drop too far.” A true runner indeed.
Michael’s legacy is the incredibly talented and wonderful family he leaves behind. To Rachel, Deirdre, and Marianne, please know you have the love of the entire Tritch family with you today.
marianne lutz kelly says
Thank you, Ryan, and the entire Tritch family.
Dr.Lewis E.Jury says
Marianne my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know the heartache of losing a spouse to illness and although I can’t know your personal sense of loss I have traveled that sad path. I wish you peaceful days and quiet nights!
Lew Jury
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Lew.
Jan Eastman says
Marianne, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He had such great charm and warmth. I remember interviewing you both for Lancaster Newspapers many years ago. And I enjoyed bumping into Mike at the Giant grocery when our kids were in school. He was one of the good guys and will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to you, Deirdre, and Rachel and their families.
Jan Eastman
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Jan.
BILL LUTZ says
Marianne, Deirdre and Rachel, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He was such a wonderful person and devoted to his family. He always had something funny and nice to say.
If there is anything you need, please reach out to us.
Love, Bill & Bonnie Lutz
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Bill and Bonnie, and to the family for the beautiful flowers.
Lori ad Ralph Taber says
We were so sorry to read about Mike’s passing. He was always so friendly, warm and funny when ever we saw him at F&M events and around Lancaster. We know he will be deeply missed. We hope you find comfort in you fond memories and stories about Mike.
So sorry we were unable to attend the service, we have COVID in the house.
Warmly Lori and Ralph Taber.
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Lori and Ralph.
Ashley Lucas says
I will never forget the most fun sleepovers at Deirdre’s house as a child. The amazing basement filled with toys, the fun games on the computer – and eating snacks and meals prepared by Deirdre’s father Michael – honestly one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met.
Rachel, Deirdre and Marianne I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you for your loss. Michael (or Mr. Kelly to me) was such a wonderful person. Rarely does a person exude happiness and contentment the way he did. His joy will live on in his children and grandchildren.
With so much love,
Ashley Lucas & Family
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Ashley and Family.
Maureen Berkovich says
Marianne and family,
Please accept my condolences on Michael’s passing. Know I keep you in my prayers.
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Maureen.
Sally & Joe Lyall says
Dear Marianne,
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved Mike. What a treasure he was! We have so missed seeing him out walking and sharing comments over some recent event. He was always good-natured and always with a smile.
Please extend our condolences to Deirdre and Rachel and their families, as well.
Sally & Joe Lyall
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Sally and Joe.
Molly Milner says
Marianne,
Monty and I just learned today of Michael’s passing. We enjoyed seeing you with him on your daily walks. I’m sure he will be greatly missed.
With our sympathy,,
Molly and Monty Milner
marianne kelly says
Thank you, Molly and Monty.
Marianne