Obituary of James M. Kelly

James M. Kelly "Rotarian" Allegany, NY– James M. Kelly of 2355 Five Mile Rd. died Friday (September 9, 2005) in his home from a heart attack. Born July 29, 1945 in Olean, NY he was the son of Herbert and Margaret C. Dillon Kelly. On March 6, 1971 at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany he married Susan J. Yurek who survives. Mr. Kelly was a lifelong resident of Olean where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Archbishop Walsh High School in 1963. He also attended Catholic University of America and St. Bonaventure University. He then served with the US Navy as a communication technician from 1966 until 1969, having been awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He began a career in the banking industry in 1963 as a runner with the First National Bank in Olean (later becoming Manufacturer's Hanover Trust Co. in 1972) and was promoted to the position of assistant vice president/ branch manager and lender. In 1993 he worked as a vice president and retail business development officer with Community Bank, NA in Olean until his retirement. Mr. Kelly was a civic-minded person who served his community in many leadership capacities over the years. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary of the Angels Church where as a young parishioner he was an altar boy. More recently he had served as a trustee and as a member of the parish council. He joined the Rotary Club of Olean in 1985 and subsequently served a term as president, board of director, and assistant governor of district 7090. He received the meritorious award of Paul Harris Fellow and in 2004 was named the club's first "Rotarian of the Year". He was also a 36 year member of the Olean Elks Lodge 491 having served as a Leading Knight, was an 18 year member of the American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 of Allegany, and was a 3rd degree member of the Allegany Knights of Columbus Council 1220. He was currently serving on the board of directors for both the Directions in Independent Living and the Rehabilitation Center and was a past member of the board of directors for the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way. In recognition of his years of community service and in honor of his faithful devotion to his catholic faith he recently received the Lay Award of St. Joseph, the "Good News" award, and an award from the GOACC. Mr. Kelly will be remembered as a person who was a "natural emcee" for charitable events and had a quick, witty sense of humor. He enjoyed celebrating his Irish heritage with a "good pint of Guinness". For several years along with Bill Connelly he co-hosted a weekly radio show called "A Bit of Ireland". He also enjoyed reading. Surviving besides his wife are a daughter Bridget Kelly Stein and her husband Samuel of Alplause, NY; 1 sister Kathleen (Raymond) Bigham of Machias; a brother-in-law Ron Simon of Olean and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Dorothy Jean Simon in 2001. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Monday from 6-9pm and on Tuesday from 1-4 and 7-9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday (September 14, 2005) at 10:00am at St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Gregory Dobson, pastor, and Rev. Conrad Harkins, OFM will be the principal celebrants. Memorials may be made to St. Mary of the Angels Church or to the Allegany Fire Department.