Posts to the tribute of John L. Kelly, Jr

Sympathy to John’s family on the loss of your brother and loved one. We found his ad in a local paper advertising Kelly’s Painting. Then we found out his first name was John. He said there were plenty of John’s Painters, so he decided to use his last name. John was meticulous in his painting. In our family room alone, he painted 13 window frames. Then we asked him to repaint the kitchen cabinets. That involved my need to empty the cabinets. He encouraged me to pare down all the superfluous items. I should have listened to him, but I never mastered decluttering to the extent I should have. One year, we had John join us at one of our family Christmas parties. I remember my brother Joey engaging him in conversation. I think my husband Michael and I were the only beneficiaries of his corny jokes, which I liked because my father and others were always sharing “Buckley corn.” A little while passed and we asked John to do some more painting. I think along with painting two bedrooms, he also painted five closets. That took a lot of patience, but John never complained. I grew up in North Newark, so we compared stories of our family and school experiences. I know John was good to his mom and that his brother died untimely. John enjoyed working in Sunrise Assisted Living after his dear mother’s death. So many fond memories of John’s special nature. May John rest in peace.

I knew John since we met in 4th grade, on the first day of school and distinctly remember him on that day. We we were in class together for the next four years and later in high school. We used to have fun talking to each other from his bedroom and my girlfriend Marian whose window was right under his. He was an important part of my life and I really wish we had kept in touch after he moved. RIP John. I will never forget you.