Joseph Kelly

Joseph James Kelly Jr., age 81, passed away August 26, 2017. He was Husband, Dad, Papa, provider, patriot, and man of faith. Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margery (May), who was also his travel partner and trip planner on many domestic and international business travels. Joe greatly treasured his family, but he most appreciated 'peace and quiet' which was often disrupted by his six children: Joe III (Tricia), Anne Marie (John), Barbara (Jeff), Linda, Michael, Robert. Adding to the cacophony of noise were his 10 grandchildren: Gabrielle, Madelyn, Alex, Natalie, Jillian, Joe IV, McKenna, Cameron, Brian, Erin. He is also survived by his favorite sister, Carol, and in-laws, Jackie (John), Joe, Diane (Bill), Fred (Erika), Ed (Laura) and Laurie (RJ). His commanding voice will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co- workers and Army buddies. Joe was a life long resident of Goodyear Heights. He was a graduate of Annunciation Grade School, St Vincent High School and John Carroll University. Along with his wife Margie, Joe faithfully served Annunciation Catholic Church, always eager to contribute time, talent, and treasure through the Holy Name Society, Parish Council, and Annunciation Backers Club. A life-long learner, Joe's remarkable professional career began at Goodyear Research. Joe then joined S.D. Myers in Tallmadge retiring in 2001 as Director of the Transformer Maintenance Institute. He collaborated on over 60 technical papers, as well as what is recognized as the definitive book on transformer maintenance. His expertise was widely sought. Joe was a member of ASTM and received the ASTM International Award of Merit, and was inducted as a Fellow of the Society. He was a Life Senior Member of IEEE Transformer Committee and served as Chair of various committtees for the Doble Client Conferences. Additionally, Joe was head of the U.S. Delegation to several European IEC meetings. Joe honorably served his nation, retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve having earned the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He was proud of his distinction as a Field Artillery Senior Sergeant. He was inducted into the Honorable Order of St. Barbara, patron saint of artillerymen. Joe was activated for service during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Calling hours will be Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 4-8 PM at Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. Akron. Mass of Christian Burial, 11:30 AM, Friday, September 1 at Visitation of Mary Parish at Annunciation Church. Private Internment with full military honors, Monday, September 4, Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Valor Home, 1121 Exeter Rd, Akron, OH 44306 or Visitation of Mary Parish at Annunciation Church, 55 Broad St. Akron, OH 44305.