LeRoy P. Kelly

Leroy P Kelly (1948-2024)

 

Roy passed away peacefully at the age of 76 in his home on November 6th after a long illness. He is remembered as a beloved husband to Pam Kelly for 38 years, loving father to Matt (Kristen) of Northampton, MA and Dino (Jenna) of New Rochelle, NY. He was a caring PopPop to Aedan, Emily, Evelyn, and Hunter. 

 

Roy was born on July 18, 1948 in Philadelphia to Leroy and Patricia Kelly (Williams) and grew up in the Olney neighborhood in Philadelphia. He was the oldest of 4 children, along with his sister Patrice and brothers John and Kevin. Growing up, Roy was a member of the St. Ambrose Parish. In the neighborhood, he played sports at the rec and sang Doo Wop bass with his friends on the street corner. He had many jobs he loved to talk about including selling produce, paperboy, cemetery landscaper, working summers at the refinery with Pop-pop, and working at the Sears toy department. Roy graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1966 where he was an All-Catholic football player, honor student, and class Treasurer.  After graduating in 1966, Roy attended the College of William & Mary on a full football scholarship and was a member of the Sigma U fraternity. 

 

Post graduation in 1970, he started his career with Arthur Young and Company and later as an Audit Manager with Wolf and Company. During this time he became a Certified Public Accountant. In 1976, he joined the Allen-Sherman-Hoff Company, a division of Ecolaire Incorporated, as the Assistant Controller and was eventually promoted to President. In this role, Roy traveled across the globe, negotiating substantial contracts in Mexico, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Europe. He then launched his own business, purchasing an MRI franchise and working as a management recruiter in the engineering and utility industry for 10 years.  Subsequently, he became a General Manager at the Wissahickon Skating Rink and eventually retired in 2014.

 

Roy was an active member of the Our Mother of Consolation Parish.  He served on the Pastoral Counsel, Finance Committee, and prepared communion for Saturday morning Mass. He also served as the Treasurer of St. Vincent De Paul Society for many years. Roy always stepped up to the task when needed; he never complained and humbly supported many friends and family members with their personal finances. For many years, he even put smiles on children’s faces in his celebrated role as Santa Claus.

 

Everyone who knew Roy will remember him as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. He was an original season ticket holder for the Flyers, fan of the Phillies, season-ticket supporter of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team and Princeton Tigers ice hockey. Roy enjoyed playing hockey as an adult, the Cobras, and served as the General Manager of the LaSalle College High School ice hockey program. During his time at LaSalle, Roy succeeded, with his usual kindness and generosity of spirit, to schedule, promote and shepherd the boys to their first Flyers Cup and PA State Championship. His time and efforts were integral to establishing LaSalle as a powerhouse in PA Scholastic Ice Hockey. After his time at LaSalle, Roy moved to Drexel University where he assumed a similar General Manager position in the school’s Division 1 Club Ice Hockey Program. Continuing to donate his time and sharing his own collegiate sports experience, Roy managed, supported and assisted in coaching the Dragons, as they won an ECHA Title and advanced to the ACHA National Tournament. He led a life of service and dedication to mentoring young men, and was universally admired and respected by the players, coaches, and staff.

 

He cherished spending time with family and led an active lifestyle which spanned outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, and skiing. Roy was also a patron of arts, enjoying his long-standing membership at the Wilma Theatre, as well as other art and music. 

 

Roy was a kind and compassionate soul whose warmth touched everyone around him. He will be remembered for his gentle nature and unwavering generosity, always finding time to lend a hand or offer his wisdom to those in need. His family and friends admired his quiet strength and genuine care, and his presence brought a sense of comfort to all who knew him. He was a cherished family member, a hero and a father figure, and a valued member of the community, leaving a legacy of kindness that will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the entire community.

 

Friends and relatives are welcome to join his Celebration of Life Services on Thursday November 14th. A 10 am Viewing will be followed by an 11 am Mass at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roy’s name may be made to Our Mother of Consolation Parish or LaSalle College High School Ice Hockey Program, 8605 W Cheltenham Ave, Wyndmoor, PA 19038.