Rev. Robert J. Kelly, PHD

Deceased: 2024-06-09

Diocese: ALTOONA-JOHNSTOWN

Seminary Graduation Year: 1974

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The Rev. Father Robert J. Kelly Ph.D., 76, of Ebensburg, passed away Sunday June 9. 2024  at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Johnstown, son of the late Thomas L. and Elizabeth (Racosky) Kelly.

His brother, Thomas H. Kelly, preceded him in death.

Father Kelly was ordained into the Holy Priesthood in 1974 by Bishop James J. Hogan. In his early priestly career, he had served the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese as an Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, State College, and St. Benedict Church, Johnstown, and later as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Lock Haven and Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Philipsburg. Father Kelly had also served as Diocesan Mission Director, Vocation Director and Director of Priestly Formation. He retired in 2015 with 41 years of service to this area. He had also served as chaplain at Rockview State Correctional Institute and Mount Aloysius College.

Father Kelly was a graduate of St. Mary’s Seminary and University (BA) in Baltimore, Md.; Gregorian University (MA), Rome, Italy; and Penn State University (Ph.D.).

He is survived by his sisters, Maureen Long and Mary Patricia “Pat” Kelly, both of Ebensburg; Kathleen (Tom) Sproull of Lower Burrell, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Karen Kelly of Ebensburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Askew-Houser Funeral Homes Inc., Ebensburg; and from 10 until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Holy Name Church Narthex, with Father Brian Warchola, celebrant. Entombment at Holy Name Mausoleum.

Condolences to the family may be left at www.askew-houser.com.