Bernard P. Kelly, proud of heritage

Bernard (Brian) P. Kelly transitioned from this world on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at his home in Delaware. “I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree.” His last moments were shared with his loving wife of 50 years, Lois (nee Pierno). He is survived by his son, Aran; and daughter, Anna Lynette and his son-“almost”-in-law Wayne Tuttle. One of five siblings, he is also survived by his sister, Nuala van Kan; his youngest brother, John S. Kelly and his wife Marie of County Clare, Ireland; his brother-in-law, Ret. USAF Col. Ronald Knipfer, PhD, of Dayton, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and -nephews, and many cousins and relatives. He joins his brother Don and Don’s wife Bernadette; his sister Mary; and his brother-in-law Ignace van Kan in the great beyond. Brian loved and cared for all members of his family, and sharing stories, songs and a jar or two with loved ones was always an essential part of life for him. 

Brian was born in County Cork, Ireland, to his loving parents Bertha (Morahan) and Bernard Paul. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1955, with big dreams of adventure and fortune. His Aunt Kay and Uncle Tony sponsored his opportunity by bonding his immigration, and Brian was always so deeply grateful for their generosity and the gift of opportunity their trust gave him. He worked hard and with great conscience to become an American citizen. His sense of American loyalty pulsed deep within his veins and he proudly served in Korea. Never forgetting who he was, he celebrated both his Irishness and Americanness with all whom he met. 

Brian recently celebrated, with a great sense of accomplishment, his 87th birthday, and he took great joy in sharing his love of the arts, music, history, worldliness and fun with longtime friends, and even with those he just met. Brian worked for 20 years in New York City (M.A.B.S.T.O.A. aka MTA) before retiring in 1985. He spent the rest of his years creating and tending to beautiful gardens that delighted many. He also celebrated his Irish roots with the National Irish Caucus and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. Although moving from New Jersey to Delaware brought Brian new experiences and friends, he felt the life lived in the old Oak Ridge neighborhood was extraordinary and he relished the multitude of memories. He loved and was loved by many, and he will have a jar-on-the-ready to cheer with all of you. 

Brian lived his life with zeal, deep reflection, a powerful will and a love of connection with others. He built lifelong relationships alongside a legendary life through his welcoming and engaging curiosity meshed with his personal gift of meeting people where they were. Brian poured with a heavy hand, laughed heartily and recited poetry from memory with passion until his last day. His presence was mountainous in spirit and in stature, and he will be both greatly missed and always loved. 

There will not be formal services for Brian, per his wishes, instead, there will be two toasts to his life, one in Delaware and one in New Jersey. Contact the family for details. 

“They flash upon that inward eye, which is the bliss of solitude: and then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the Daffodils.”