Edward J. Kelly, Jr.

On August 16th, Edward J. Kelly Jr. of Vero Beach Florida passed away peacefully; he was 93. Mr. Kelly was the oldest son of Edward J. Kelly and Rose Scanlan Kelly. He grew up in Ambler, PA where he attended St. Anthony Parochial school and Ambler High School. Mr. Kelly worked in his family’s automotive business that included several service stations and later a Desoto/Plymouth franchise. Upon graduating from High School, Mr. Kelly served in the U.S. Army where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant while stationed in Germany. After the Army, he returned to the family business and earned his degree from Ursinus College.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Kelly went into business with his brothers. Over the next 50 plus years, the three brothers owned and operated over 20 franchises in Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania. They were recognized multiple times by the major manufactures for their excellence in automotive sales, service and customer satisfaction. In addition, they operated a successful real estate company.

Along with his passion for the automotive business, Mr. Kelly was passionate about sports. He was a lifelong fan of all things Philadelphia especially the Athletics, Phillies and Eagles. He himself rode horses, played football and baseball on various teams and later as a young adult became an avid golfer. He also had a passion for thoroughbred racing and later in life, bred and raced thoroughbred horses in partnership with some of his family members. Together, they bred and/or raced numerous stakes winners including Commendable who won the Belmont in 2000.

Mr. Kelly was predeceased by his wife Jenepher McLean Kelly and his brother Gregory W. Kelly. He is survived by his younger brother Robert P. Kelly and his wife Margaret Kelly, his two sons Edward J. Kelly III, Michael Kelly and their wives, and five grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, 7020 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034 on October 7, 2021 at 11:30am where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ursinus College (www.Ursinus. edu/makegift) in Mr. Kelly’s memory.