Obituary of William Joseph Kelly, Jr.

William Joseph Kelly Jr., a lifelong resident of Rochester, NY, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at the age of 88. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was shaped by hard work, deep faith, steadfast loyalty to friends, and an unwavering love and support for his family.

Born in Rochester to the late Bill and Janette Kelly, Bill was also predeceased by his brother, John, and his sisters, Kathleen (Paul Oliver) and Margaret. He attended St. Monica's School, where he played basketball and softball. A talented pitcher from a young age, he threw in nearly every eighth-grade game as St. Monica's competed against other Catholic grammar schools. Summers brought more softball with KPAA, where he continued to pitch. Bill was a self-made athlete; there were no sports camps or little league programs then—just a boy, a ball, and a love of the game.

Friendship meant a great deal to him. Many of his closest friends were those he met in kindergarten, and he treasured them for life. He is predeceased by dear friends John Regan, Lloyd Berardi, Richard Powers, and Joe Sinacori, and is survived by his lifelong friend Joe San Filippo. Bill often rode his bike to Joe's house, when they were young, where the two spent countless hours shooting hoops on the garage-mounted basket.

Bill began working early. His first job was delivering newspapers, a rite of passage in his neighborhood. Starting with a once-a-week route in sixth grade, he soon took on a daily morning route before school. He picked up papers a few blocks away, joining a cluster of boys on bicycles waiting for their bundles. His father occasionally helped, but most mornings Bill delivered alone. For the heavy Sunday edition, he used a wooden trailer built with the help of neighbor George Hines. Collecting payment door-to-door was part of the job, though he often joked that he didn't make much money. At sixteen, he began working at Loblaws supermarket alongside several friends.

Bill attended Aquinas Institute, joining many of his childhood friends at the prestigious Catholic high school. He often rode alone, since his friends were living far enough away from him that they took different routes. Because of the long trip, he did not consider trying out for any high school sports.  At the time, Aquinas football in particular was very successful.

After high school, Bill proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Cleveland, Ohio. Having already earned an associate degree from RIT, he worked as an electrician before being offered a draftsman position—an opportunity he accepted readily after learning the alternative was winter duty on an icebreaker in the middle of Lake Erie. As the only electrical draftsman, he earned several promotions and eventually bought a car, which led to a fateful double date arranged by his friend Gus. Gus's girlfriend, Bea, brought along a coworker from the French Line Travel Agency—Barbara Matlock—who would become the love of Bill's life.

After completing his Coast Guard service, Bill worked at Dow Chemical in downtown Cleveland, located near the Aragon Lounge, owned by Barbara's dad, Steve Matlock. He saved money to finish his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at RIT. During this time, he and Barbara maintained their relationship largely by phone—free of charge thanks to Bill's mother, Janette, who worked as a telephone operator and connected their calls. They planned their wedding over the phone, and Bill returned to Cleveland during school breaks to work at Dow, with Barbara’s parents always happy to host him at their house whenever necessary.

Bill and Barbara were married in Cleveland on August 25, 1962, and soon returned to Rochester to begin their life together. After completing his degree, Bill worked at Bausch & Lomb on electrical and mechanical systems for lens-finishing equipment. He often recalled the lack of air conditioning, and  the bees that wandered through his office. He created and enjoyed the camaraderie that formed as he brought people together to solve problems, eventually leading to a newly formed department that he managed.

In 1976, Bill joined Kodak, eager to work on large building projects and seeking greater opportunity. That same year, the family upgraded from one car to two, adding a green Mustang. Before then, Barbara and their young sons, Bill and Dan, often spent late afternoons climbing trees in the park next to Bausch & Lomb while waiting for their father to finish work.

Bill and Barbara built a warm and active home in Irondequoit, where they were longtime members of St. Thomas the Apostle parish and school. The family treasured their annual week at Bethany Beach, Delaware, and enjoyed memorable trips to Clearwater, Old Forge, Denver, and St. Croix. When his sons attended Bishop Kearney High School, Bill loved watching them play basketball and baseball and spent many summer weekends taking them waterskiing behind the family's small motorboat.

Bill had a deep interest in family history and spent years researching and documenting it. In later life, he and Barbara traveled to Ireland, where they met relatives and formed lasting connections. They also cherished many winters in Ponce Inlet, Florida, enjoying the ambience of the water, sun and sand.  Bill stayed active socially, meeting regularly with former colleagues from Bausch & Lomb and Kodak, helping organize a St. Monica's reunion, and serving as an electrical engineering consultant for the Archdiocese of Rochester's new buildings committee.

In recent years, nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. He asked endless questions about their lives, celebrated their accomplishments, and traveled far and wide—Leesburg, Syracuse, Philadelphia—to watch their games. When he couldn't be there in person, he followed along on Facebook, YouTube, and GameChanger.

Bill was the beloved husband of Barbara for 63 years. He is survived by his sons, Dr. William (Jeannine) and children Anthony (Christy), Chase, and Austin; and Daniel (Jenifer) and their children Cassidy and Tyrus. He also leaves behind cherished nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A Mass of Celebration will be held at 11 am on Saturday March 14, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church (4536 St. Paul Blvd, Irondequoit NY), with a gathering to follow.