Andrew “Andy” John Kelley, 89, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He departed this world on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, in Asheville.
Andy was born to the late Andrew and Catherine Kelley on Nov. 6, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pa.
After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy. He trained as a frogman for the Underwater Demolition Unit at Coronado Naval Base and served in the Korean War.
While serving in the Navy, Andy met his wife, Frances “Fran” Mann and were married in 1954 in Pasadena, Calif. They were happily married for 53 years until her passing in 2008. Together they had five children, Margaret Appenzeller and husband Robert, Patrick Kelley and wife Mig, Timothy Kelley and wife Jean, Kevin Kelley and wife Sally, and Kyle Kelley and wife Irene.
Andy was also preceded in death by a sister, Catherine “Kitty” Thompson; and a brother, Robert Kelley.
Andy was active in any community he lived, serving on the school board, little league baseball and organizing jazz festivals. Even in his few years in Andrews, he volunteered with the For Andrews community organization.
Andy is best remembered as the manager for Lakeshore Resort and Holiday Harbor at Shasta Lake, Calif. Andy gave blood and platelets to the Redding Blood Bank for children with leukemia making him a member of the 25-gallon club. He dove for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Shasta County Sheriff’s Department on the underwater recovery teams.
In addition to his children, he leaves behind the joys of his life, 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each one holding a very special place in his heart and honored to be called “Papa Andy.” He loved growing roses and gladiolus. He enjoyed listening to books on tape, and talking to friends and family on the phone. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed sharing the course with his children and grandchildren. Andy enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family.
He will be inurned at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Ivie Funeral Home, Andrews, is in charge of arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.