John Barry Kelly

John Barry Patrick Kelly was born in Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital on February 9, 1952. He was one of six surviving children of Joseph Thomas Kelly and Helen Rosemary Henderson. He attended St. Andrew’s School, Monsignor Bonner High School, and graduated from the University of Scranton in 1974.

Barry was employed by The National Park Service in Philadelphia for over 40 years. He traveled to Ireland, The Holy Land, and Međugorje, among other places.  He loved his Irish heritage, was a member of The Irish Club and The Undine Rowing Club, and was a Eucharistic Minister at Old St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Philadelphia and at St. Charles Catholic Church in Drexel Hill.  He loved his Philly sports teams and especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.  He was a skilled researcher and writer and contributed many articles to newspapers, journals, and other publishing outlets. He also was a frequent speaker at events involving American history.  He was a reenactor at Washington’s Crossing for well over 25 years and since his retirement a daily Mass attender.  He is survived by his three sisters, Dee (Dave), Julie (Joe) and Joyce (John), and his two living brothers, Brian (Terry) and Kevin, as well as by many, many nieces and nephews.

Barry was the family genealogist and he learned quite a bit about our familial relationship to Commodore John Barry, who fought in the Revolutionary War and was well acquainted and friendly with George Washington. This was a life long avocation of Barry and his family is grateful for his research. He likewise spent many hours researching the life and times of our Mom’s first cousin, “Uncle Jack” Cannon, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, who played on Knute Rockne’s undefeated National Championship team of 1929.

Barry’s viewing will be held Wednesday May 15^th from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by his funeral mass at 11:00 AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 3422 Dennison Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA.  Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Road, Yeadon, PA.