Obituary
Guest Book
1935
2015
Mr. Girard "Jerry" F. Kelley, age 79 of Canastota, NY and formerly of Parishville, NY passed away on February 14th at his residence in Canastota, NY. Services will be held Friday, February 20 at 11am at the Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7pm. On line condolences can be shared @www.garnerfh.com. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of the Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties @4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.
Jerry is survived by his wife Sheila Kelley; sons Steven (Toni) Kelley and Andrew (Sommer) Friot; daughters Stacie (Ryan) Woodward, Kim Clark and companion Bill Writesel and Danielle (Stan) Congden; brother Howard Kelley; 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by wife Gordonna Kelley; granddaughter Dani Jacot; brother Andrew Kelley; his parents Andrew and Claire Kelley and a sister Clemintine Reynolds.
Mr. Girard F. Kelley was born December 30, 1935 in Utica, NY to the late Andrew Kelley and Claire Kelly. He was a graduate of Bethlehem Central High School. He then attended Sienna College on a basketball scholarship. He served in the United States Air Force from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1962. He was married to Gordonna Cyrus in June of 1962. She died suddenly in 1973. He then was married to Sheila Downing on July 2, 1989.
Jerry lived in the Midwest for years. He worked as a salesman for Dickies and Farrah stores. He then returned to the North Country and drove truck for UPS in Potsdam from 1972 until his retirement in 1992. He also was the owner and operator of the Timber Tavern in Parishville, NY from 1971-76. Jerry was the Town Justice for the Town of Parishville for 24 years. He was on the Parishville-Hopkinton School board for over 20 years. He was also on the Parishville Fire and Rescue Squads and was a member of the Potsdam Elks Lodge for many years.
Jerry enjoyed hunting, four wheeling, golfing, boating and was a big sports fan. He especially enjoyed watching girls softball. Jerry was a World War II history buff. He loved his little best friend of 14 years his dog Dee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 1, 2015
Lisa Hazelton
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 26, 2015
Chris Richards
So Sorry To Hear About The Loss Of Jerry Kelley. Jerry, Was One Person Who Helped Guide Me Down The Better Path. God Bless Him, and His Family.....
February 21, 2015
Terry and Barb Deans
Our deepest condolences to Sheila and Family.
February 20, 2015
Don Reynolds
Sheila and Family ...... great sorrow for your loss. Jerry was a very special Uncle who could light every room and lift everyone he encountered. The laughs from Heaven show that Jerry has arrived. We will miss him. We hope all the wonderful memories will ease the pain for you and all those who knew him. - Don and Lila Reynolds
February 20, 2015
Dear Kim and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss.I hope you have lots of happy memories to help you through this difficult time. Mrs. Regan
February 19, 2015
Andrei Stoian
Stacey, please accept my condolences.
I never met your dad, however I am sure he was a fine man.
I lost my dad over 10 years ago but I still feel his spirit alive inside me (along with his genes).
A big loving hug from me and Jeany... Andrei Stoian
February 19, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Willard and Judy Witherell
February 18, 2015
Michael Koen
Karen and I will remember him fondly from our wedding that he presided over-and I will remember him for all the laughs that I had with him through the years.
Sorry we can't make it up there to honor him.
Michael and Karen Koen
February 18, 2015
Owen and Amanda Meashaw
Sheila and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
February 17, 2015
Sue Jones
Stacie and family,
I am very sorry for your great loss. I hope the wonderful and good memories you have of him will last forever.
February 17, 2015
Nancy Fregoe-White
So sorry to hear about Kel. My thoughts and prayers so out to you and your family. He is surely standing by our father in heaven. God bless.
Nancy Fregoe-White
February 17, 2015
Sheila and Family,
I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man.May precious memories fill your hearts and ease your pain.Sissy
February 16, 2015
Ronald/ Lisa Overly
so sorry for your loss sending prayers for all
February 16, 2015
Greg and Karla Thompson
May God Bless you all. So many memories were made between my Mom and Dad and the Kelley's. Jerry was a great man and his memory will stay forever in the hearts of all who came to know him. Keep his smile close and his memories closer. God Bless You All.
Greg and Karla Thompson
February 16, 2015
Shelly Dawley
Sheila, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was such a sweetheart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
February 15, 2015
Polly Peryer
To the Kelley family: So sorry for your loss. Jerry will be missed by many. God Bless, Love Polly & Richard Peryer
February 15, 2015
Sue Domurat (Taylor)
Kim and family I'm so very sorry for your loss - Jerry was one of the nicest people I've know he always had a kind word and loving smile about him Please except my deepest condolences God bless Please let me know if there is anything I can do
February 14, 2015
Marcie Sullivan-Marin
Kim and family: So sorry for your loss of a great Dad and Grandpa. Lets do a scrapbook about him this summer. I am here for you anytime of the day or night. God Bless.
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