Final Salute

John Edward Kelly, Sr., 92, died on October 20, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in London on August 20, 1934, John spent his grade school years in England and Ireland before his family settled in the Washington, D.C., area. He grew up alongside his brothers, Terence and Kevin, and his sisters, Patricia, Maureen, and Cathleen. He graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School, where he played football. After school, he served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee before starting his career and meeting his wife, Betty.

John began as an electrician and advanced quickly because of his technical knowledge and strong work ethic. He later established John E. Kelly & Sons Electrical Construction, Inc., known as Kelly Electric. The company has remained family-owned and in operation for more than 40 years, a legacy of his dedication.

John and Betty were married for 70 years and raised their 12 children in Arnold, MD. Their family grew to include 51 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He took pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s pursuits. He was a familiar presence on athletic sidelines and easily identifiable in his Irish tweed cap.

A devoted Catholic, John was a member of the Knights of Malta, a Catholic lay religious order. His faith, affection for his Irish heritage, and family were central to his life.

John was preceded in death just one week earlier by his wife, Betty. He is survived by their 12 children: John Jr. (Debbie), Colleen (Keith), Michael (Tina), Stephen (the late Sharon), Margaret (John), Teresa (Ronnie), Christopher, JoAnn (the late Terry), Joseph, Dara (Sean), Brendan (Holly), and Ryan (Virginia); as well as 51 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren.

A joint viewing honoring John and Betty will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John Neumann Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. A joint Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the same church on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LC Pastoral Services at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=dd1bc1 Donations may also be mailed to LC Pastoral Services, 10211 Norton Road, Potomac, MD 20854.
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Published by Baltimore Sun from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2026.