Patrick J. Kelly

Patrick J. Kelly passed away Thursday November 4, 2021 surrounded by his family. Pat was born on May 4, 1943 and grew up in Syracuse. He was a devoted father, grandfather, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. All those who knew him knew the empathetic side of him, his sense of humor, and will not forget his laugh. The lights of his life are his granddaughters who he truly adored and referred to him as Papa. Pat enjoyed helping people and was much more willing to give help, than to accept help from others.

He grew up in Syracuse and graduated from Nottingham High school. Pat and his siblings spent every Sunday at Fair Haven and many Saturday’s on Otisco Lake. He excelled in baseball and golf. His love for sports continued throughout his life and he enjoyed watching Syracuse basketball, the Buffalo Bills and the NY Yankees. His true love was golf, which his uncle, Emmett Kelly introduced him to. Golf was an integral part of his life and his passion. Not only will he be remembered for his strength and talent, he was a good teacher, and connected with so many people through this game. In his younger years, Pat enjoyed fishing and was an avid skier. He always spoke of his Thursday night runs to Song Mountain and looked forward to boating trips on local lakes. Patrick served our county as a member of the United States Air Force and was trained in Top Secret Crypto. His time in the military allowed him to see the world and we were fortunate to hear all those stories. After serving in the Air Force, he was the Assistant Golf Professional at the Cavalry Club in Syracuse NY from 1964-1970 and worked at Coral Ridge Country Club in Ft. Lauderdale Florida during the winter 1966-1967. Patrick was offered the Golf Professional position at Owasco Country Club in 1971, where he remained until 1981. His passion and strength in golf led to opportunities in sales, before starting his own fastener company, Kelly Enterprises, Inc. from 1983-2003.

Patrick is survived by his children, Mary “Dee” Solomon (Shawn) and Ryan Kelly (Jessica), their mother Kathleen Crowe Kelly, and his granddaughters Emma, Marlee, and Nora Solomon. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Kelly (Faith) from Kingwood, Texas, sister, Joanne White of Camillus, NY, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Mary Kelly, and several members of the Kelly families. We will miss him more than words can say.

There will be no calling hours. A private mass will be held with the family at there convenience. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Life held in Patrick’s honor at the Knights of Columbus, 47 Market Street Auburn, NY on November 21st, 2021 at 1pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Patrick Kelly can be made to Central New York PGA; Rocky Kelly Pro-Junior Golf Tournament, 5011 Jamesville Rd, Jamesville, NY 13078.

~Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again. ~ author unknown

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