Joseph Anthony Kelly

Joe was born on January 01, 1939 in Topeka, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford LeRoy Kelly and Mary Magdalene Beier, and his siblings, Leslie Kelly, Patty Ceballos, Doug Kelly and Judy Kenney. He is survived by his sister, Janice Ward.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Margaret Ann Kelly; his son Clifford Dale Kelly; his granddaughter, Faith Elizabeth Kelly; and his three stepchildren, Frank Hogan Jr. (Marcia), Dana Boutillier (Scott). His stepdaughter Whitney Napper, preceded him in death. Joe has many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Joe devoted approximately 50 years to the bookbinding industry including 27 years as owner of his own company. He took great pride in his work and was well respected throughout the industry.

Joe was a gifted athlete in his youth and was awarded a football scholarship to Washburn University and later was inducted into the Topeka High School Sports Hall of Honor for his role on the school’s 1955 State Championship football team.

An outdoorsman at heart, his favorite things were horse racing, fishing and bird hunting. While hunting Joe found great peace sitting in the woods listening to the wind rustle through the trees. As a young boy he raised and sold warbler and homing pigeons. He adored his little dog Lucy and faithfully cared for Pepper the community feral cat.

Though a private man he was quietly generous, supporting organizations whose missions he believed made a difference.

While Topeka was home and he lived there many years, Joe spent 25 years in Long Island, New York building his career and eventually settled in Palm Harbor, Florida where he enjoyed online horse betting, and sitting in his favorite chair watching the golfers, water birds, and alligators as the morning sunshine warmed the day. Those quiet moments brought him happiness and contentment.

Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, strong work ethic, love of nature, generosity, devotion to those he deeply loved, sense of humor, intelligence, and a gentleman who always took pride in his appearance and was known for being impeccably dressed.

There will be no formal funeral. A Celebration of Life was held July 25th with the immediate family and his ashes will be laid to rest surrounded by family at Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery in Gainesville, Florida at a later date.