Michael L. Kelly

Michael L. Kelly, died peacefully on July 29, 2024, exactly 92 years from his date of birth July 29, 1932. He was born in Hughestown, Pennsylvania to Anna McHugh Kelly and Leo Kelly.  Shortly after his birth Michael’s mother died and he and his sister Leona were raised by his grandmother Bridget Care Kelly.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg Teachers College.  After college Michael served in the US Army 3rd Infantry Division and was chosen for the Presidential Honor Guard Washington D.C. Michael began his teaching career at Elk Lake Joint School where the students dedicated their yearbook to him. He continued his studies and received a master’s degree from Marywood University and a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh.  Michael became a member of the faculty at Luzerne County Community College and was a chairperson of the Humanities Department.  Taking a brief leave from teaching, Michael was selected to serve as a consultant to the Commissioner of Highter Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Returning to East Stroudsburg University Michael taught Education classes to undergraduate and graduate students.  The students voted him teacher of the year.  In addition to teaching Michael and his wife Shirley owned and operated Kelly Antiques in the Poconos.  The business lasted for twenty years and was known for unique and distinctive pieces. While he pursued his long and successful career Michael raised five children.  Retirement found Michael and his wife Shirley at the Seabrook, an independent living facility in Hilton Head Island.  Michael was sharp witted and told a great funny story.  He lived a good life and had no regrets.  Often he quoted and lived by Dylan Thomas’ poem “…do not go gentle into that good night, rage, rage against the dying of the light.” He will be dearly missed.

Michael had three daughters, Kim Ballman and her husband Steve of Annapolis, Maryland; Colleen Kelly of Kernersville, North Carolina; Kate Cody and her husband Michael of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; two sons, Kevin Kelly and his wife Pat of Delray Beach, Florida; and Christopher Kelly of Swiftwater, Pennsylvania; ten grandchildren, Bridget Duffie, Jill Harrill, Marshall Cody, Christopher Kelly, Michael Kelly, Peter Kelly, Alex Kelly, Billy Dunlap, Emily Hill, Anna Kelly and 6 great grandchildren.  The family is also grateful to Cynthia Evans, a friend who cared for Michael during his final years.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his sister Leona, his parents, and his grandmother.  Private services will be held by the family.