In Memory of Friar Philip Kelly
 FRIAR PHILIP KELLY |
KELLY, Friar Philip Kelly, OFM Conv. died peacefully on September 7 at Francis House, Syracuse, New York.
Born in Farrellton, Quebec, he was the son of the late Gerald and Eunice Kelly. Survivors include three brothers, Rev. Carl Kelly, OMI, Joseph (Maddie) and Robert (Marie) as well as two sisters, Sr. Nora Kelly, CSJ and Marion (Richard) Kennedy. Predeceased by Patrick (Shirley) Kelly, Ann (Terry) Costello, and Edward Kelly.
Friar Phil professed his first vows as a Conventual Franciscan Friar on August 12, 1961 in Middleburg, NY and professed his solemn vows at St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, NY on August 16, 1964. Friar Phil served in Costa Rica, Camden, NJ and St. Lambert, Quebec.
He was the editor of the Companion magazine in Toronto, Ontario as well as the founder of Tobias House, Toronto, Ontario, a residential community for challenged people.
He also served for a time on the staff of St. Luke's Institute, Washington, DC. Since 2001, Friar Philip resided at St. Francis Friary, Syracuse, NY and was part of the Franciscan Collaborative Ministries, working in the field of community organization on the Northside.
He also wrote a weekly column for The Catholic Sun, and a monthly insert in the Messagero, an international magazine of the Conventual Franciscan Order.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on September 11 and interment was at the friars' plot of Assumption Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Friar Phil may be made to Franciscan Collaborative Ministries, 800 North Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13208 or to Francis House, 108 Michaels Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13208.
[NOTE: When I saw the obituary for Friar Phil Kelly and the fact that he was born in Farrellton, Quebec, I was just blown away since I was born and raised only about 12 miles from Farrellton. It never crossed my mind when I contacted him regarding a photograph for my article on The Molly Maguires in the June 2009 issue of The Celtic Connection that Father Phil was one of the Kellys from Farrellton. May God rest his soul. - Catholine Butler]
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