Obituary of Joseph Edward (Ed) Kelly

Ed passed away peacefully in the early morning of Monday, August 9, 2021, at the age of 85 years, surrounded by the love of his family. Beloved husband of June (nee Connolly) for 61 years, adored father of Brenda, Nancy (Jeff), Sean (Naiomi), Elizabeth (Doug) and Erin (Murph), cherished Grandpa/Nonno/Poppa of Mauro, Jessica (Chris), Curtis, Ryan, Ava, and Ethan. Much loved brother of Nora Ann Harrison (Ronald) of Sault Ste. Marie, ON and Mary Hunnisett (James) of North Bay, ON. Ed will be sadly missed by June’s sisters and brothers and their spouses, Patricia Patacairk (Ronald), Russell Connolly (Gale), Geraldine Connolly, Diane Gillieson (Colin), Theresa Albert (Leslie), Susan Cantin (Mario) and Ken Connolly (Diane), as well as the many family and friends that filled Ed’s life with fun, laughter, and camaraderie. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Bernard and Marie (nee Watters), his sister, Peggy, sister-in-law, Barbara May (Bud), brothers-in-law, Ronald Connolly (Alice), Earl Connolly (Sally), Kevin Connolly and Stephen Connolly, and his closest friends René and Deanna Mantha. Ed was particularly known for his hospitable and truly kind nature, a tremendous neighbour to passersby from all walks of life, and a steady, grounded presence to all who knew him. He thoroughly enjoyed the company of guests to his home with June, and relished a good belly laugh whenever something amusing presented itself. A hard worker who took care of his home with pride and attention until the very end and an avid reader who loved historical books and memorabilia. He was especially fond of his Irish heritage and celebrated it through reading poetry, listening to music, reading about Ireland’s history and locales, and partaking in a glass of good Irish whiskey. Heartfelt thanks to the Clinical Hematology team at the Ottawa General Hospital, especially Dr. David MacDonald, Jessica, and Amanda, who provided attentive care to Ed, particularly in his final days. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Parish, 685 Walkley Rd., Ottawa, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, with a meet and greet at 10 am and mass at 11 am, followed by a burial ceremony at Pinecrest Cemetery (2500 Baseline Road). Following covid protocol, attendance will be strictly limited to registered guests and unfortunately there will not be a reception. To register, please click here Funeral Sign Up. Guests may also attend online via live stream, please click here Funeral Livestream at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation (cancer research) at https://ohfoundation.ca/.