Michael "Mike" James Kelly passed away peacefully at his home in Orefield , PA , on Thursday , December 29, 2022. He was born February 24, 1941 in Manhattan, NY , the son of Michael J. Kelly and Helen J. (McGinn) Kelly.

Mike graduated in 1959 from Cardinal Hays H.S., Bronx, NY , and immediately began a 3 - year stint in the U.S. Army eventually attaining the rank of Sargent. He received a 4 year scholarship to Manhattan College graduating in 196 7 with a double major in Electrical Engineering and Physics .  Upon receiving a Fellowship at MIT , attaining a P h .D. in L aser P hysics where his team researched the most accurate measurement of speed of light up to that point in time. It remained a consequential measurement for 30 year s . While working for his PH. D., Mike married Paul a T. Rosekrans in 1967 and had a son, Michael James Rosekrans Kelly , born in 1977. Upon concluding his education with a post doctorate from Berkeley University, CA, Mike mov ed his family back East to New Jersey and then to Pennsylvania where he worked 22 years at Bell Labs ( Lucent Technology, Agere Systems).

​ In his personal time, Mike was an avid wide - range reader, a passionate gardener and an accomplished stained glass artist .  Additionally , h e was known as a homeopathic and nutritional enthusiast. He was also an ardent Catholic and member of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Or e field. Mike was known for his ability to teach anyone mathematics, his kindness, friendship, and laugh.  His joy in family, friends, and life will be missed by all.

​ He is survived by his son, Rev. Michael J. Kelly of VA; brother, Peter J. Kelly of VA; sister Ann Marie (Michael) Kachur of NJ; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he had been predeceased by his loving spouse of 20 years, Paula T. Kelly; a brother, Malachy F. Kelly; and sister, Patricia J. K elly.

​ As a devoted husband, father , and brother with a kind and generous spirit, he shared his knowledge , his faith, and resources freely with all his family and friends.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Professional Services are entrusted to Weber Funeral Homes, P.C. in Allentown. A Wake will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2022 from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Weber Funeral Homes, P.C. 1619 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial starting at 3:00 P.M. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1879 Applewood Dr, Orefield, PA 18069. A reception will follow the Funeral Mass from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Club at Twin Lakes, 3625 Shankweiler Rd, Allentown, PA 18104.

Interment will be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery in Maryland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Church. A virtual link is provided here for the day of services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv3SOMM3TFk

A Poem for Michael J. Kelly

(Written by Lucille Tomchak for Michael J. Kelly Sr. on the occasion of his 78 th Birthday, February 24, 2019.)

There is a Great Man named Michael,
a Man of Great Humility…
To know him is a Very Great Blessing,
one might say, 'tis your Destiny.

Michael is a Man of Great Wisdom,
a Gift from the Good Lord above…
He gives Great Advice and then some,
which comes from his heart filled with love.

He's also a Man of Conviction,
a Man of his word is he…

He means what he says, he says what he means,

'tis part of his life's history.

Michael is known for his compassion,
for those who are suffering…
He offers many prayers to relieve them,
and enables them to once again sing.

This Man has a Great Love for Jesus,
along with our Blessed Mother too…
He lives everyday to just please Them,
waiting to be told what next to do.

Michael is a Man of Great Faith,
which he shared with his Beloved Son…
A Son now known as Fr. Michael,
a result of all his Father has done.

Michael is a Jewel sent from Heaven,
sent to our world to give light…
This light, tis the Mighty Holy Spirit,
present in his soul Day and Night.

We thank God for giving us Michael,
a Man we Cherish and we Love…
Forever, we will sing God's Praises,
for Michael sent to us from above.