John M. Kelly, devoted husband and father of six, passed away at home surrounded by his family in Pittsford, NY, at the age of 65.
Born in Yonkers in 1960 to Bernard and Idella Kelly, John was raised in Westchester as one of eight children. He grew up sailing on Long Island Sound, spending summers at the beach, and playing golf and tennis. He graduated from Iona Preparatory School in 1978 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College in 1982, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering and Operations Research from the University of Texas at Austin.
Back in New York, he met Donna Shipley, the love of his life and his partner in all things. They were married in 1990 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
John’s career in management consulting and information technology took him across continents, including ten years living in London with Donna. He worked for Capgemini and NEC Corp. before joining Xerox Corp., where he retired in 2016 as Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer. He served as a trustee of the University of Rochester beginning in 2011 and was a member of the Simon Business School’s Executive Advisory Council and Dean’s Forum.
For over 22 years in Pittsford, John was deeply involved in his community and in his children’s lives. He coached T-ball, served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and was a proud fixture at their fencing competitions and music performances. He was an active member of St. Louis Church and, after receiving a heart transplant, a dedicated supporter of the American Heart Association.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Shipley Kelly, and their children, Lauren, Margeaux, Philip, Nicholas, Genevieve, and Matthew; his brother Thomas (Ellen) and sisters Andrea (Frank), Bernadette (Robert), Gabrielle, Aileen (Charles), Patricia (Paul), and Maura (Edward); his sister-in-law, Catherine Shipley Burns (William); and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home, 7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd., Fairport. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 2, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church, 60 S. Main St., Pittsford.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Louis Catholic Church and School.
12 responses to “Kelly, John M.”
My Sincere condolences to John Kelly’s family! My relationship with John is due to the fact that I was the family’s Fencing Coach. John was a very pleasant person to communicate with, like a real family member. John will always be remembered, he may rest in peace!
A great man and strong leader. A role model. A fighter. Thank you Dad for everything you give us and will always be remembered for generations for your generosity and dedication to family, business, and Church.
Sincerely Philip Kelly
John was a rare caring genuine individual who respected others and showed abundant grace toward his fellow man. I will always recall John as one of the few people that positively affected all those around him. He was a great example of how to live life in the right way helping others along the way .
John was a wonderful leader, counselor, supporter, and human being. I will always treasure that our paths crossed through the U. of Rochester Board and Simon Business School Advisory Board. Sincere condolences to Donna and the family.
John was a wonderful man and it was a pleasure to know him and his beautiful family You must be heartbroken You are all in my heart much prayers and love Susan Brooks O’Rourke
We are saddened to learn of John’s passing. We always looked forward to his appointments. John spoke proudly of his family~~always sharing a story about the latest visit where the whole family would get together.
We send you our love and strength for the days ahead. Keep your memories close to your hearts and he will never be too far away.
Gino and Peg Caiello
Donna, Lauren, Margeaux, Phil, Genevieve, Matthew and Nicholas, our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time-we recall with fondness, your dad’s genuine enthusiasm, attention to detail-and heartfelt conversations over the years. His visible presence at St. Louis School and church events-in scouts and other activities…He wore many hats! With your mom, they raised a busy household even during the difficulties in health, it seemed your dad battled with sheer strength of mind to keep on going. We will certainly remember his deep love and pride in each of you.
John, Donna, and all those beautiful Kelly children touched my life in so many ways. I loved being Philip’s Cub Scout leader. I remember talking with John once when I couldn’t get all the children’s names straight. He told me, “Well, Donna and I were thinking we’d try for “baby #4, but instead, we got six!” John, thanks for taking the helm as Cubmaster. The pack was big in those days . . . it was a time consuming job. John’s health battles were not insignificant. He rose to each challenge with remarkable courage. RIP, my friend.
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was thoughtful, kind and a force on his own. His presence was always notable and was never overbearing. Even with his personal challenges, he always made time for others. My sympathies to the Kelly family. May he rest in peace.
Very saddening to read this news. I was very lucky to work for John at Xerox for several years about 2007-2011. I learned a lot from him and enjoyed our working relationship and developed a personal relationship too. We each had 6 kids and discussed experiences of faith. Sadly after I retired in 2018 we lost contact but I thought about him often. My sincere condolences to has wife Donna and his kids and other loved ones. Sorry I missed the obituary sooner.
Very sad news. My condolences to Donna and the family. I’m sorry that I am just seeing this now. I worked for John at Xerox and he was the best! A great leader, a great friend, a great christian, and a great family man. I pray that we re-unite in heaven, as I know you’re there! RIP JK.
So sad. I just talked to him probably four weeks ago and he seemed like the same John Kelly. I worked with him for several years at Xerox and never have I worked with a more talented person and caring person! Praying for him and his family.