Jerry L. Kelly

Living life to the fullest, Jerry Leland Kelly went home to our Lord on March 11, 2017 at the age of 87. Jerry leaves behind his beloved wife of 63 years, Rita, daughters, Donna Kay and Diane, granddaughter, Amanda (husband Sebastian), and great grandchildren, Charles and Fatima.
Born in Lawrenceville, Illinois on August 2, 1929, Jerry was the eldest son of seven brothers and “they each had an older sister,” as he would say. He is survived by brothers: Tom (wife Sue), Leonard (wife Jeannette), Dean (wife Shirley), Donald, and Joe (wife Lynn) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Lawrenceville High and immediately joined the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Atlanta, Georgia, and later was stationed at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he met the love of his life, Rita, and they were married June 1, 1953.

After repairing furniture as a side job in their garage, Jerry and Rita decided to open up their own business, Kelly’s Refinishing Shop Inc., originally located across from Albuquerque High School on Tijeras Street and then relocated on Vassar/Candelaria. Jerry’s keen knowledge of restoring antiques, rebuilding furniture, and expertise in finishes made their business successful.  Along with running his business, Jerry also took college level drafting classes to further his craft. They owned and operated their business for over 40 years. His unique, handcrafted gifts will always be cherished.  

Jerry was a wonderful dad, taking pride in teaching his daughters to be independent, hard-working, and to have an all-around positive outlook. He worked hard to send them to private schools and was always very proud of their achievements. He never missed a single sport activity, cheer-leading practice, dance recital, or missed out on those first date “lectures”. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a scared, red-faced young lad sprinting to his car out of the Kelly household when picking up his girls for a date.  This included his granddaughter when she was of age. Despite his protective manner, his ability to crack a joke over the incident would lessen the tension.

Loving the outdoors, Jerry was a very adventurous man who would take any old dirt road just to see where it lead. He made a game out of everything, always creating a healthy competitive spirit to even the most mundane activity. He loved his RV, going camping, fishing, and traveling. He was an avid golfer and often enjoyed outings with his buddies. His morning routine always included eating at his favorite café, Millie’s on Jefferson, and teasing the cooks and waitresses. They would have his daily order ready the minute he walked through the door.

He was an active and dedicated member of the Catholic Church, and even built the original altar and podium for Risen Savior Catholic Church.  He was a Eucharistic Minister and along with Rita taught marriage enrichment and catechism.

Jerry always started each day with a smile, with joy and enthusiasm.  He was friend to all and will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the staff at Millie’s whom Jerry was very fond of, his CNA Stephanie from hospice for the loving care given to him, and to the Lovelace hospital staff (nurses Annika and Amber) for their dedication in his care when he was there in January.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate in Jerry’s life by attending the services indicated.
A Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE.

An interment will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 2:15 PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Mr. Kelly's care has been entrusted to
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010