Leroy P. Kelly Jr. 1941-2022

Leroy, who was affectionately known as Skip, was born Sept. 23, 1941, in Youngstown, the son of the late Leroy P. “Red” Kelly Sr. and Jennie Kelly.

His wife of 45 years, Lucy Galano Kelly, whom he married Jan. 25, 1962, passed away in May 2007.

He attended East High School and lived by the motto, “Once a Golden Bear, always a Golden Bear.” Skip was proud to be an East Sider.

Skip proudly served in the Army from 1961 to 1963.

He worked for the Youngstown Board of Education for more than 40 years and formed many friendships that he cherished throughout his career and beyond.

In his younger days, Skip enjoyed coaching baseball at Gibson Field with the Uptown Kiwanis League.

Skip’s daily routine consisted of breakfast at The Landmark Restaurant, coffee at Marzano’s Barbershop where he and his buddies would solve the world’s problems, then home to cut the grass, but never starting the mower.

Skip loved big, lived large and touched so many people in such a special way. To know Skip was to love Skip. He was the life of the party, and the party did not start until Skip walked in with his Black Velvet and water in hand. You knew Skip was around when you heard his infectious laugh or his “radio voice” as Skip would say. Most of all Skip enjoyed the time he spent with his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Skip’s family was his world. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his three children, Patrick A. (Diana) Kelly of Youngstown, Michelle A. (Donald) Rimar of Bazetta and Steven S. Kelly of Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren, Ron (Randi) Haines, Ryan (Elizabeth) Kelly, Casey Kelly (Nicole Luklan), Marissa Sinkele (Branden St. Clair), Jordan Kelly, Carmelina Kelly and Santino Kelly; three great-grandchildren, Ryan, Lilliana and Lucia; and a sister, Barbara Mangee of Poland.

Family and friends may gather to pay respects from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.

Skip’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, especially Rhonda, Marcie and Kristen (ER), along with the nurses and staff at Hospice House, Dr. Marchand, Dr. Stanitsas and Skip’s family doctors and good friends, Dr. Villaplana and Dr. Economus for the kindness shown to Skip and his family and the care given to Skip over the years.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown. Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to view and share this obituary and to send condolences to Skip’s family.

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