Francis "Frank" B. Kelly

Albany,NY– Francis B. Kelly (Frank), 84, of Albany and formerly of Delmar, passed away on September 30, 2022, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Frank was the son of the late James Kelly and Catherine Donnelly Kelly, and brother of the late James Kelly. Frank was born in Media, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Albany, graduating from Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in 1956. Following high school, Frank attended Siena College, where he worked for the Campus Cleaners, under the firm hand of Father Michael Feeney, OFM, who became a mentor and life-long friend. At Siena, Frank enlisted in ROTC, in the hopes of pursuing a career of military service. Those dreams were dashed after he was diagnosed with intestinal cancer his senior year of college. Thankfully, Frank beat cancer and went on to live the life of a cancer survivor, without fear and grateful for every day. Frank worked for Rose & Kiernan Insurance for decades and retired as a Vice President. He loved his job. Frank was a true Irish gentleman, who led with kindness. Frank also gave back to his community by volunteering and often assuming leadership positions with organizations he supported, including Pop Warner Football, where for more than 30 years, he did everything from painting helmets and marking the fields to leading the regional organization. He enjoyed being a member of the golf league at Briar Creek Country Club; he loved getting together with his golfing buddies as much as he loved the game. One highlight of his life was shooting a hole-in-one at Sycamore County Club on October 14, 2001. Frank was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, who loved nothing better than spending time at Fenway Park with his family. Boston’s dismal season this year was not the cause of Frank’s death, but his family suspects it may have been a contributing factor. Frank’s life changed for the better on October 2, 1954 when he met Margaret Murtagh (Peg), the love of his life. Peg was by his side as he got through his cancer treatment; they married on June 16, 1962 in a ceremony officiated by Father Luke Sullivan, OFM. Frank and Peg had three children in three years, true Irish Triplets: Margaret (Margie) of Evanston, IL; Daniel of Los Angeles, CA, and Elizabeth of Albany. Frank was beloved by his sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Jack McCullen, and their seven children, who he loved as his own. Frank was the grandfather of Harry Thornton and Grace Thornton. Frank was especially smitten by Grace; a Facetime call with her was one of his last happy moments on earth. The family would like to thank Frank’s physicians and nurses, who provided world-class care especially Dr. Gloria Guptill, Dr. Earl Zimmerman, and his nurse Connie. The hospice staff at St. Peter’s Hospital offered great comfort and care to all of us in Frank’s final days, as he made his peaceful transition to Heaven. Funeral services Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 9:30 am at the Parish of Mater Christi, Albany, NY at 9:30 am where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. You can view the Mass at YouTube.com/C.ParishofMaterChristi There will be no visitation hours. The Rite of Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Francis "Frank" B. Kelly

May 1, 1938 - September 30, 2022