Obituary of Donald Robert Kelly
Donald Robert Kelly
Age 99, passed away on May 19, 2022, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care. Don was born in Joliet, Illinois on October 13, 1922 and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Joliet Junior College, Class of 1942. He was drafted into WWII and serviced the European and Pacific Theaters of War as a Postmaster where he was then honorably discharged. He married Elizabeth (Betty) on June 19, 1954, where he then designed and built their home with his own hands. He retired from Olin (formerly Blockson) Chemical Corporation in 1985 after 38 years of service. Don was devoted to his Catholic faith and enjoyed feeding the birds, gardening, the Cubs, and spending time with his family.
Donald is survived by his three children, Robert Thomas (Anne) Kelly, Patrick Terrence (Lisa) Kelly, and Margaret Mary Meyer; grandchildren, Michael, Brian (Jessica), Christopher (Erin), Erin, and Brett Kelly, Laura (Austin) Reed and Jeffrey Meyer; and one great-grandchild, Bennett Kelly. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive.
He was preceded by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (nee Scully) Kelly; parents, Robert Thomas and Marie (Hermanns) Kelly; his sons, Martin Joseph Kelly, in infancy, and Daniel Joseph Kelly; his brother, Raymond Kelly; his sister, Ann (Richard) McGuire; and nephew, Michael McGuire.
A Memorial Gathering for Donald R. Kelly will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2022, from 9 a.m. until the time of a Memorial Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave., Joliet. Inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Joliet, or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, would be appreciated.
For more information please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 185-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
