Joseph Kelly

Joseph Thomas Kelly, age 78, of Galloway Township, NJ, bid us farewell on Thursday, July 1, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Born in Prospect Park, PA, he is the son of Joseph A. and Mary D. Kelly. He grew up in Linwood PA and enjoyed playing softball for the local teams.  He graduated from St James an all boys Catholic High School in Chester PA in 1960. He was a proud Alumnus and he looked forward to attending the “Dogs on the Dunes” annual event in Wildwood NJ.

He was a resident of Galloway Township for the last 40 years. Joe enjoyed his career at Tuckerton Lumber Company and it became his extended family.  He joined Tuckerton Lumber in the 80’s, and worked his way from lumber sales, to manager of the lumber department, to outside sales where he far exceeded any goal that he set for himself.

He never knew a stranger, and could find common ground with anyone almost immediately through sports teams (Eagles or Notre Dame were his favs!), or by knowing someone’s hometown better than they knew it themselves! He had a larger than life personality and a generous heart.  He made an impact on every person he met and has touched the lives of many. During his private time he enjoyed reading, golfing, family outings and trips to football games with his friends.

Joe will be forever loved and missed by his devoted wife Doris (nee Dodds) of 58 years, three children; including Joseph T, Kelly, Jr, Kathleen Vezos, Karen Kenny and her husband Scott.  The true lights of his life, though, were his grandchildren, Kyle, Zachary, Madison, and Alex.   He is also survived by his brother Jack Kelly and wife Lonnie of Tucson AZ, his cousin Ed Davis (wingman) and his wife Michelle of Texas, his brother in law Bill Dodds and wife Fay, his sister in law Dawn Walls and husband Butch of Pennsylvania and many other wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joe will be reunited with his parents, cousin Tucker, and many more friends and family.  Please join him as he raises his grey goose martini and cheers to his beloved Eagles and Notre Dame!

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, July 6th, 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Rd, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 7th, 11am, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ.  The mass will be livestreamed on the church website at www.stfrancisparishlbi.org/livestream .  In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to St. Francis Community Center at www.stfranciscenterlbi.org .

Because of his great love for the Eagles, it seems only fitting to say: Fly, Eagles fly!