Patrick J. Kelly

Patrick Joseph Kelly, 85, a longtime resident of Maywood NJ and most recently of Rochelle Park NJ, passed away peacefully on February 3rd 2025 after a long battle with the neurological disease Aphasia, a disorder that affects speech and communication. “Pat” is survived by his wife of 62 years Anne C. Kelly (nee Parker); his eldest son the Honorable Kevin P. Kelly and his wife Theresa Kelly; his son Daniel Kelly and wife Regina McNamara; his daughter Kerry Anne Jannicelli and her husband Robert Jannicelli; and his daughter Colleen Borel and her husband Jason Borel. His children were his pride and joy. He also loved his many nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by his parents Michael and Beatrice Kelly, and sisters Kathleen Moran (and Brother-in-Law Ed Moran) and Mary Kelly. Pat adored his eight grandchildren: Liam, Brendan, and Maeve Kelly; Ava and D.J. Kelly; Maggie and Leanne Jannicelli; and J.J. Borel. They were his “Lovies.” Born in 1939, Pat was raised in Jersey City N.J. Pat was the only son of Irish immigrants who valued hard work and education. He graduated from Saint Peter’s Preparatory High School and St. Peter’s University. After College he taught High School at St. Peter’s “Prep,” and worked for the New Jersey Title Company. There he realized his love of the law and his true calling to be an attorney. He worked day and night to put himself through Seton Hall University Law School. From there Pat embarked on a legal career that spanned 50 Years. Pat took great pride in his work as an attorney. He loved the law and was fascinated with its complexities. He was a valued mentor and friend to many in the Bergen County Bar. He was always readily available to help family, friends, neighbors and colleagues with whatever legal challenges they faced. Pat worked for most of his career as a sole practitioner with a general practice, but specialized in family law, real estate, and litigation. He championed the needs of children in his work and went to great lengths to protect his clients and their families living through the difficulties of divorce. His client’s hardships weighed heavily on him. To say Pat was an entirely self-made man would be an injustice to his wife, Anne who loved and supported him as he built a legal practice literally from nothing. She served as his secretary and office manager for many years. Later in his career it gave him immense joy to partner with his son Kevin, Mark Marotta and Brian Campion to form the firm that eventually became Kelly Kelly Marotta & Tuchman. Pat loved his partners and longtime assistant Lillian Ferreira. He missed them greatly once he retired. He also missed his daily lunches with his long time and fellow lawyer, friend Edward Bowen. Pat and Anne raised their family in Maywood. Pat was proud to serve on various committees and boards in Maywood. He also served as a volunteer coach for his children's sports. His proudest achievement was serving the Maywood community as its longest serving Municipal Court Judge. He greatly enjoyed this role as it offered him the opportunity to be kind and just to all those who stood before him. A devout Irish Catholic, Pat never faltered in his faith and belief in God. He supported his parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Maywood, serving in various roles including lector, eucharistic minister, parish council member, and a member of the men's choir. He was eventually appointed as a Parish Trustee by the Pastor and Archdiocese, and he served in that capacity for many years. Golf and Cross word puzzles were Pat’s guilty pleasures. He simply loved both games and shared this passion with his sons and grandchildren. (They will never forgive him for the frustration this has brought them). Pat was diagnosed and suffered from Aphasia, which robs victims of their ability to communicate. This neurological disease is incredibly debilitating and frustrating for any patient, let alone one who built his life speaking and counseling others. Despite this affliction, Pat “rolled with it,” with quiet dignity and grace. All should know that he never stopped listening even when he could not answer. His caregiver Kelly De Riso is an amazing and compassionate person who made this affliction easier for Pat and Anne and his family to bear. We continue to be thankful for her kindness. Welcomed and loved by many, Pat loved God, Family, Irish music, John Denver and a good laugh. Pat’s life was full but not easy. He touched many lives with his counsel. He will be remembered as a caring and fair person who always showed love to family and friends. Pat’s family will be receiving friends, Thursday February 6th, 2025, from 4 PM - 8 PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell NJ. A Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Maywood on Friday February 7th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Patrick J. Kelly

February 3, 2025