Bernard J. Kelly

Bernie Kelly, 76, Dunmore, died Thursday morning in the Regional Hospital of Scranton. He and his wife, the former Mary Jane Ruddy had celebrated 52 years of marriage on September 25th.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Bernard and Catherine Ruane Kelly. He was a graduate of Dunmore High School Class of 1966. Bernie attended the police academy in Hershey Pennsylvania and went on to serve the Borough of Dunmore as a police officer for 18 years. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Clinical Labs and Lab Corp. for 33 years. Bernie worked as a bartender at The Roosey Bar in Dunmore and as a painter for years, making many friends along the way.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and was a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. Bernie took pride in being one of the founding members of the Elite Social Club and had spent countless hours organizing its annual Bunny Hunt in Dunmore for many years.

He enjoyed having lunch at the Roosey on Wednesdays with his good friends, Jack, Butch, Eldi, Charlie, Fran, and Bob. Bernie’s grandchildren were the pride of his life.  He loved nothing more than spending family vacations in Sea Isle City New Jersey, as well as vacationing with his good friends.

Also surviving are his children, Colleen Portanova and her husband Dan, Michele Musso and her husband Bob, and Chris Kelly and his wife Dawn, his sister Mary Ann Kelly, his grandchildren, Kasey Portanova, Tyler Musso, Brielle Kelly, Coral Kelly, DJ Portanova, and Colin Kelly, a life long friend Jack Purcell, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The funeral will be Friday from the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Chestnut St., Dunmore.  Interment to follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow.

Bernie’s family would like to thank the nurses in the ICU at Regional Hospital for their care and compassion. 

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be sent in Bernie’s memory to  Elite Bunny Hunt c/o Rick Sabato 127 S. Blakely Street Dunmore, PA 18512.

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