James P. Kelly

Albany, NY-James P. (Ironman) Kelly passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 1, 2023. James was born 9/28/40 in Manhattan, N.Y., son of Ralph and Theresa Kelly. He was the second of five children. Ralph (Mary), Kevin (Phyllis), Theresa (John),and predeceased by Brendan (Sheila). He is survived by his wife Anna Mary (Leonard), his four children Anna Mary Kelly, Maura Bruda (Bob), Denis, James Jr., his five grandchildren, Cyrus Rivet (Erin), Celia Rivet, Joseph Juliano Jr., Niamh and Shane Kelly and great grandson Arthur Rivet. He was the senior-most member of AOH Father Henry Tansey Division 5 Albany and a 2nd degree Life Member of the Knights Of Columbus. James met his wife of almost 60 years in his family’s Irish resort “Kelly’s Brookside” in East Durham, N.Y. They married and moved to Albany, N.Y. where he worked at Schaefer Brewery until they closed, eventually retiring from Albany County Sewer District in 2002. James was leader of the well-known Irish American band “The Galway Blazers” which was handed down from his father Ralph Kelly in 1966. The band members consisted of his brother-in-law Mike Leonard, Jimmy and Michael Mangan, John Joe Callanan and Chris Naughton. James was the last surviving member. In his nearly 70 years of performing, he shared stages with many champion Irish musicians and even performed at Lincoln Center. One of his most treasured musical memories was when he was asked to tour with his idols “The Tulla Ceili Band” when they toured America. James went on to teach scores of young musicians who went on to win competitions in the U.S. and Ireland. In 2000, he was inducted into the Irish Traditional Music Hall Of Fame and acclaimed “the finest Ceili drummer in America.” He was also always happy to play his second instrument, the two-row button accordion at many gatherings. James and his wife Ann, always known for their hospitality, hosted many concerts in their home which came to be known as “Kelly’s Basement Concert Series” featuring world class Irish musicians. His faith was very important to him. He was always carrying rosary beads. He was a big supporter of Father Peyton’s Family Rosary and was instrumental in collecting one million rosaries for them to be distributed worldwide. James will be remembered for his appreciation of the little things, his quick wit, puns, making people feel comfortable, his work ethic, his love of music, but especially for his love for his wife and family. The Kelly Family would like to formally thank the Albany Fire Department (D Platoon), Engine 11 and the wonderful staff as St. Peter’s Hospital. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with James’s family Tuesday, April 11, 2023 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and then 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street, Albany, NY 12208. Please enter the church from the parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Parish of Mater Christi, Albany, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “Holy Cross Family Ministries.” 518 Washington St., North Easton, M.A. 02356

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James P. Kelly

September 28, 1940 - April 1, 2023