John Kelly
Lieu de naissance : Lingan, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : Lingan, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 5 novembre 2009
It is with great sadness and deep regret that we, the family, announce the unexpected passing of John William (Johnny) Kelly on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his family.
Born and raised in Lingan, he was the son of the late Thomas and Mathilda (Burke) Kelly. He was a devoted member of the St. Joseph’s parish, Lingan for his entire life. Johnny worked as a coal miner in collieries # 12, 16, 18, and Lingan for the Cape Breton Development Corporation until his retirement in 1972. He spent his retirement as avid volunteer in the community.
Johnny was a member of the Lingan Community Centre and spearheaded numerous projects in the community.
Some of his accomplishments were the ball field, the recreational beach area, restoration of the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in which he dedicated most of his time over the years, the church where he acquired several grants to help improve the church and community hall. Johnny was a charter member of the New Waterford Historical Society, a member of the New Waterford Pensioner’s Club.
John was a great mandolin player who volunteered his time with his band “The Good Times†at various manors and nursing homes in the local area playing for the residents. One of his greatest enjoyments was his barn parties with family and friends.
Throughout his lifetime he was involved in local sports such as hockey, baseball and darts. He was an original member of the Lingan Hustlers baseball team. To many people he was simply the “Mayor of Lingan.†He was always there to lend a helping hand, or help out in anyway he could.
Johnny was predeceased by his loving wife, Dorothy and leaves to mourn his sudden passing, his loving daughters, Gloria (Barry) Jones, Shirley (Danny) MacIntyre, Peggy (Freddie) Rizzato all of Lingan, Carol Ann (Frank) Britten, Fredericton, NB; sons, Robert (Donna), Glace Bay, Ronnie (Darlene), Paul (Danielle), both of New Waterford. His only living sibling sister, Kelly Sherry New Jersey, USA, and by his adoring 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews along with many great friends and neighbours. Sadly his little buddy and best friend “Pepper†will certainly miss him.
Visitation for the late John William Kelly will take place Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford (862-7500). A funeral mass celebrating Johnny’s life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church Of Saint Leonard’s, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford, with Fr. Doug MacDonald officiating. Interment will be at a later date. A reception in honour of Johnny will be held immediately following the funeral mass at the Lingan Community Centre and all are welcomed to attend.
To view John’s online book of memories, send flowers, or express your condolences directly to the family please go to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com.
