Jeff Kelly
elevated 9SlUt July 22, 1955 – September 20, 2022
elevated 9SlUt Visitation
Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm & 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Monday, September 26, 2022 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
elevated 9SlUt Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 9SlUt Funeral Mass
Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:30 pm (Chapel of St. Joseph – within Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home)
Click here to view the mass.
elevated 9SlUt Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that after 6 months of fighting, our Courageous, Strong, Fighter, Hubby, Daddy, Protector and Hero, Jeff Kelly, has passed away. God called onto Jeff on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, to stop his suffering and ease his pain. He passed away fighting till the last moment at Toronto General Hospital. He was an honorable, dedicated, and humble family man. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Anna-Marie, who tenderly cared for him until his last breath along with his loving daughter Jacalyn and son Jerry. Jeff was also a cherished brother to the predeceased Mike, as well as Steve, Whiz and Greg, and was well loved by all his extended family. Jeff was born a twin, 3 months early and weighing only 1 ½ pounds. His twin John at 2 pounds did not survive. He was in one of the first few incubators at St. Michaels hospital in 1955. He will be reunited in Heaven with his parents Gerry and Rose.
elevated 9SlUt Jeff had dealt with so many health challenges over the past 30 years including over 20 heart surgeries, yet always managed to keep his sense of humour and positive outlook through it all. It is hard to believe that his battle is over, and we are devastated and heartbroken and will miss him terribly.
elevated 9SlUt During the early years of marriage, Jeff and Anna-Marie enjoyed many trips together and the experience of building their home in Richmond Hill. While not born Italian, Jeff embraced the Italian culture, learning the language for his wedding speech and of course due to the amazing food, gaining 30lbs in their first year together. Jeff and Anna-Marie shared many amazing memories, and most of all cherished the joy of raising a family together.
elevated 9SlUt A loving father and family man, Jeff’s biggest love and happiness was being with his family. He was never happier than when watching Jacalyn dance and Jerry play hockey and soccer, or just simply sitting in the family room watching a movie together. The latter is what he was doing during his last moments spent at home. Jeff was the team Manager of Jerry’s Richmond Hill Stars Rep Hockey team for many years. He did an amazing job, was respected by everyone in the hockey community and loved having so much fun with the coaching staff and whole team. Jeff also coached Jerry’s soccer team for a few years and t-ball. Jeff also enjoyed playing golf and most recently picked up the game again with his son Jerry. When not golfing, Jeff could be found watching his favorite TV shows while sitting in “his spot”, such as Star Trek, the Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods, Chicago Med, watching hockey, golf and John Wayne Westerns, or reading the Toronto Sun newspaper. He loved spending quality time on the weekends with Jacalyn when they would take weekly trips to the grocery store together and bond over inside jokes. Jacalyn and Jeff affectionately called each other “Poopie Jr” and “Poopie Sr”. He was a fabulous cook and most famous for his very garlicy Caesar salad and beef tenderloin specialty. Jeff loved his black BMW sportscar which he enjoyed driving around with the wind in his hair. He always said how he wanted to be buried in his “Black Beauty”. Jeff was a very protective and affectionate father who did and would do everything for his kids. He was a truly exceptional dad who will continue to guide and protect his children throughout their lives.
elevated 9SlUt When Jeff was first hospitalized in March, the doctors warned us that after coming out of sedation, we may find that Jeff had sustained severe brain damage from the three cardiac arrests he suffered that night. But the moment he started rolling his eyes at us, we knew that we still had our loving father and husband. It is thanks to this that we were able to spend Jeff’s final 6 months supporting him, loving him and enjoying the man who we all loved. Jeff lit up any room with his big smile, humour, whit, and great expressions with his eyebrows, and will always be remembered for the happiness and joy that he brought to each of our lives.
elevated 9SlUt “In thanks to the amazing team who helped Jeff fight his battle, any donations to the Coronary ICU, in honour of Jeff Kelly at the UHN Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.”
elevated 9SlUt Entombment – Holy Trinity Mausoleum
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 9SlUt Reception to follow entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home – Reception Hall #2
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
Anna-Marie & Family – my deepest condolences on your loss. Jeff was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your loss Anna-Marie. Thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Heartfelt sympathy and loving prayers for your comfort and for strength and courage to face each day. To Jacalyn, Jerry, Anna-Marie and all the Kelly family, my deepest condolences.
May he rest in peace while he lives in your hearts. Treasure the memories.
Anna-Marie, Jacalyn, and Jerry-
We are so sorry for your loss and wanted to offer you our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Jeff was always so friendly to us and he will be missed. Sending you all lots of love.
Sincerest sympathy to Anna-Marie, Jaclyn, Jerry and all the family on the passing of dearest Jeff. Cherish the memories and find the courage and strength each day within your heart because he will be with you still. Love you and God keep you in His heart.
Anna-Marie, I’m so sad to hear this news. I never knew Jeff was sick. Sal & I send our sincere condolences to you and the kids. Sending you hugs, love and our prayers. Love Sal & Dawnyca Cristello xo xo
My dear AnnaMarie, Jackie and Jerry!
Want to express my deepest condolences and hope that all the good moments and memories you all shared with your husband and dad, will keep you strong during this tuff period, full of sadness and anger.
All my love to the three of you.
Anna-Marie, our heartfelt sympathies to you , Jerry and Jacalyn. Jeff was someone we got to know so well. Sharing the fun times with your whole family over the years. Memories to Cherish.
Dear Anna-Marie, Jacalyn and Jeff, we are heartbroken and extend to you our deepest and sincerest condolences. Jeffy was bigger than life and we will miss his storytelling and his laugh. We will miss him! We are always here if you need anything. Love Diana & Dave
Anna-Marie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It’s been such a struggle for you, your family and Jeff these last several months. Take comfort in knowing that you were always there for him, watching over him, advocating for his care and supporting him in every way you could. I’m sure he rested easier knowing how much you cared. He will now be watching over you.
I met Jeff when he was working with Tempo Plastics, I’d say at least 25 years ago as I was a buyer at Wine Rack. From our first meeting and contract, we just clicked and became friends. He was such a great guy, so friendly, and very funny!
I always enjoyed meeting up with him and having some great chats over lunches or coffees. He tracked me down 2-3 days after he got his BMW and we had a beer. Just 1 beer but a solid hour of talking about his newest addition. He was so happy as we carried on like we were brothers.💙
He always spoke so lovingly of his family, AnnaMarie, Jaclyn and Jerry, and how much they all meant to him. Sending my heartfelt condolences at this most difficult time. He will be missed.
Dear Anna-Marie, Jacalyn and Jerry,
My heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. May the memory of Jeff, your husband and father be a blessing.
Wishing you peace, comfort and loving prayers.
Norina.
All the best to the whole Kelly family on this huge loss of Jeff. He was a great friend for 44 years and will always be remembered especially for our golf adventures and many wonderful family gatherings.
May you always remember all the good times with your husband, father and best friend Jeff.
Dear Anna-Marie!!
Sending my deepest sympathy and caring wishes to you and your family.
Thinking of you in these difficult times!
Cara Annamaria sentite condoglianze a te, ai tuoi figli e alla zia Giuseppina da zia Rosaria, zio Domenico Rita e da tutti gli zii dall’Italia.
Anna, Jacalyn and Jerry,
So very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing. I will always think of him as that funny, kind and sweet guy we crossed paths with every now and then. I don’t think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. Take comfort that Jeff is no longer suffering and that you and he will one day be together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Debbie and Paul Gill
Dear Kelly family. We wanted to send our deepest sympathies to your wonderful family. I knew Jeff since I was a little boy and he was always smiling and outgoing a fantastic guy who could light up a room.Our best to Anna-Marie,Jacalyn and Jerry.
Steve & Wendy McMahon
I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was kindhearted and dynamic. I have so many fond memories of him from when our families grew up together. Sending my love and strength.
Anna-Marie, Jerry Jacalyn I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there to help support you but because of my knee surgery last week I am not able to travel. Margaret, Michael and Elizabeth have traveled there and will be by you.
I read the obituary and I must thank you for how detailed you described Jeff’s life. Yes he was truly a remarkable husband and father.
I got to know Jeff as a my cousin’s husband. An Irishman who loved us Italians. More importantly we became great friends.
We met over 40 years ago. We had a lot of fun together like golfing in Myrtle Beach with the boys, driving thru snow banks in Collingwood with my Honda and then we would have a drink we called the “bella bave”. Rye and water on ice.
Despite all of Jeff’s heath issues over the years Jeff was one remarkable person when it came to his health. He always remained positive and upbeat. He just did not let it prevent what he wanted to do as husband and father and friend. He is one of the most positive guys I have ever known.
Jeff we will all miss you. Rest in peace brother.
Dear Anna Marie, Jacalyn and Jerry,
We have been so fortunate to have known Jeff and his beautiful family for many years. Our hearts are full of cherished memories.
That incomparable laugh, his animated stories, gentle, loving pranks (Dora the Explorer knapsack for Trev), love of life and great food (which he provided for us on many occasions!)
He became an immediate member of the Hamilton Family when he valiantly sat on Tiddles’ chair and even though allergies bound his eyes shut he didn’t offer up one word of complaint. He was welcomed into Junebug and Hath’s circle of friends fitting in beautifully. Rounds of golf followed by Indian food feasts became a part of his reportoire. We all loved him!
When this Hamilton became a Patterson and when the Pattersons welcomed more Pattersons into the fold, Jeff and Anna Marie were there all the way. We will never forget the New Year’s Eve we stayed at home (East Avenue at the time) with Jeff cradling a 3 month old baby Bryan in his arms. Like Jacalyn and Jerry, Bryan knew he was in a safe space.
As both the Patterson and Kelly clans grew we were all bound together by our love of family and friends. ( Superbowl family included).
Anna Marie, Jacalyn and Jerry, Jeff was so incredibly proud of all of you and loved you all so much. We know he is smiling down on you with love and pride today for the beautiful service you provided to keep his memory alive always.
Rest in peace, Jeff! You will always be in our hearts!
Dear Anna-Marie and family, please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. I will always cherish the fond memories of Jeff, his simplicity, his friendship, his genuine care for others and his helpful nature. He was a true Gem! May Jeff live on in your fond and loving memories. Wishing you, Jacalyn and Jerry strength, courage and peace.