Father John Robert Kelly, a priest for 56 years and retired officer of 22 years in the U.S. Army, died Monday, July 29 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was 82.
John, who went by the nickname Jack, was born May 5, 1942 in New York, New York to John R. Kelly, Sr., a retail clothier, and Mary A. Scanlon. He attended St. Catherine of Genoa Grammar School and Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, both in New York. He grew up alongside his younger brother, Robert.
He earned degrees from St. Joseph’s Seminary College (B.A., Philosophy, 1964; M.A. Philosophy and M. Divinity, 1968) in Yonkers, New York and Yale Divinity School (master’s degree in Sacred Theology, 1977) in New Haven, Connecticut.
Father Jack was ordained to the priesthood June 1, 1968 for the Archdiocese of New York. His first priestly assignment was as an associate pastor in the Bronx from 1968 until 1973, where he also served as chaplain of the 102nd Engineer Battalion, 42nd Infantry Division of the New York Army National Guard.
After that experience, he entered active duty in the military, a calling that would lead him to serve as a chaplain in many places, including Fort Benning (now known as Fort Moore) in Georgia (1973 - 1975), Korea (1975 - 1976), Fort Bragg (now known as Fort Liberty) in North Carolina (1977 – 1980, 1984 - 1986 and 1994 - 1995), Fort Monmouth in New Jersey (1980), Panama (1980-1982), Fort Gordon (now known as Fort Eisenhower) in Georgia (1982-1984), Germany (1987 – 1990 and 1992 – 1994) and Fort Jackson in South Carolina (1990- 1992).
His military education included both basic and advanced coursework for officer chaplains and clinical pastoral education. Some of his service called him to minister to people in hospitals. In 1977 he graduated from the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, California.
Upon his 1995 retirement from the Army, at age 53, Father Jack chose to make North Carolina his home. He served the people of the Diocese of Raleigh at Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Newton Grove, St. Francis de Sales in Lumberton, St. Patrick in Fayetteville and St. Isidore in Stedman.
Father Jack was known for his sense of humor and collaborative nature. During his lifetime he cared for many pets, including birds and dogs. He was known by those close to him as someone who wanted to create and serve in team environments.
Funeral arrangements
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, August 5 at 6 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, 2840 Village Dr. in Fayetteville. Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama will preside; Deacon Juan “Nay” Enriquez will be the homilist. Visitation follows the Mass.
Mass cards and condolences may be sent to the parish office:
St. Patrick Catholic Church
2844 Village Dr.
Fayetteville, NC 28304
