James P. Kelly of West Chester

James P. Kelly, 79 of West Chester, PA, peacefully passed away Friday, September 22, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Grace C. Giunta Kelly for 53 years.

Born December 6, 1937 in Bryn Mawr, PA. He was the son of the late Anthony Kelly and the late Rose McDaid Kelly.

Jim graduated in 1957, which was the last graduating class, from St. Agnes High School, West Chester, PA. He served in the US Army. Jim spent his career as a Chemical Recovery Specialist at Wyeth Labs. West Chester and Mercy Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

He was an active member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, West Chester, PA where he sang in church choir. Jim had sung at St Agnes Church, West Chester as a soloist throughout his school years.

Jim’s love was sports. He rallied around all the Philadelphia teams, Penn State, and Norte Dame. He attended these events at the Palestra, Franklin Field, the Vet and the Spectrum. He was thrilled when he was at the winning game when the Phillis won the World Series in 1980.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his five loving children, Jim adored his children and grandchildren who brought him much happiness and peace. His children are Theresa Schwarz (Tim), Jim (Shannon McInaw), Marie Tordone (Mike), Kathleen Ruggeri (Lou) and Tony, (Stephanie Cornell). 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; sisters Rose Valentino (Harry) and Sister Kathleen Kelly, RSM. His brothers Jack and Hugh Kelly are deceased.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation on Thurs., Sept. 28, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 15 E. Pleasant Grove Rd. West Chester, PA followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association c/o Kelly’s Hero’s. Mailed to Kathleen Ruggeri, 329 Twin Pond Drive, West Chester, PA 19382

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 DellaFH.com