elevated bQ6pU July 22, 1955 – September 20, 2022

elevated bQ6pU Visitation
Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm & 6:00 –  8:00 pm
Monday, September 26, 2022 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

elevated bQ6pU Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6

elevated bQ6pU Funeral Mass
Monday, September 26, 2022 at 1:30 pm (Chapel of St. Joseph – within Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home)
Click here to view the mass.

elevated bQ6pU Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that after 6 months of fighting, our Courageous, Strong, Fighter, Hubby, Daddy, Protector and Hero, Jeff Kelly, has passed away. God called onto Jeff on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, to stop his suffering and ease his pain. He passed away fighting till the last moment at Toronto General Hospital. He was an honorable, dedicated, and humble family man. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Anna-Marie, who tenderly cared for him until his last breath along with his loving daughter Jacalyn and son Jerry. Jeff was also a cherished brother to the predeceased Mike, as well as Steve, Whiz and Greg, and was well loved by all his extended family. Jeff was born a twin, 3 months early and weighing only 1 ½ pounds. His twin John at 2 pounds did not survive. He was in one of the first few incubators at St. Michaels hospital in 1955. He will be reunited in Heaven with his parents Gerry and Rose. 

elevated bQ6pU Jeff had dealt with so many health challenges over the past 30 years including over 20 heart surgeries, yet always managed to keep his sense of humour and positive outlook through it all. It is hard to believe that his battle is over, and we are devastated and heartbroken and will miss him terribly. 

elevated bQ6pU During the early years of marriage, Jeff and Anna-Marie enjoyed many trips together and the experience of building their home in Richmond Hill. While not born Italian, Jeff embraced the Italian culture, learning the language for his wedding speech and of course due to the amazing food, gaining 30lbs in their first year together. Jeff and Anna-Marie shared many amazing memories, and most of all cherished the joy of raising a family together.

elevated bQ6pU A loving father and family man, Jeff’s biggest love and happiness was being with his family. He was never happier than when watching Jacalyn dance and Jerry play hockey and soccer, or just simply sitting in the family room watching a movie together. The latter is what he was doing during his last moments spent at home. Jeff was the team Manager of Jerry’s Richmond Hill Stars Rep Hockey team for many years. He did an amazing job, was respected by everyone in the hockey community and loved having so much fun with the coaching staff and whole team. Jeff also coached Jerry’s soccer team for a few years and t-ball. Jeff also enjoyed playing golf and most recently picked up the game again with his son Jerry. When not golfing, Jeff could be found watching his favorite TV shows while sitting in “his spot”, such as Star Trek, the Big Bang Theory, Blue Bloods, Chicago Med, watching hockey, golf and John Wayne Westerns, or reading the Toronto Sun newspaper. He loved spending quality time on the weekends with Jacalyn when they would take weekly trips to the grocery store together and bond over inside jokes. Jacalyn and Jeff affectionately called each other “Poopie Jr” and “Poopie Sr”. He was a fabulous cook and most famous for his very garlicy Caesar salad and beef tenderloin specialty. Jeff loved his black BMW sportscar which he enjoyed driving around with the wind in his hair. He always said how he wanted to be buried in his “Black Beauty”. Jeff was a very protective and affectionate father who did and would do everything for his kids. He was a truly exceptional dad who will continue to guide and protect his children throughout their lives.  

elevated bQ6pU When Jeff was first hospitalized in March, the doctors warned us that after coming out of sedation, we may find that Jeff had sustained severe brain damage from the three cardiac arrests he suffered that night. But the moment he started rolling his eyes at us, we knew that we still had our loving father and husband. It is thanks to this that we were able to spend Jeff’s final 6 months supporting him, loving him and enjoying the man who we all loved. Jeff lit up any room with his big smile, humour, whit, and great expressions with his eyebrows, and will always be remembered for the happiness and joy that he brought to each of our lives.

elevated bQ6pU “In thanks to the amazing team who helped Jeff fight his battle, any donations to the Coronary ICU, in honour of Jeff Kelly at the UHN Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Please visit UHNfoundation.ca/tribute or call 416-603-5300.”

elevated bQ6pU Entombment – Holy Trinity Mausoleum
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7

elevated bQ6pU Reception to follow entombment
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home – Reception Hall #2
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6