Roy D. Kelly

KELLY – Roy D., 88 of Geistown.  Passed away November 29, 2016 at the Arbutus Park Manor.  Born April 8, 1928 in Vinco PA.  Son of James and Cora (Dishong) Kelly. Preceded in death by parents; Brother Robert Grove and wife Minnie; Sister Ruth Ellen Gelles and husband Nick; Brother Merle Kelly and Brother in Law Wayne Michaels. Survived by Wife, Vie E. Kelly with whom he would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on December 28th; Daughters Pamela, wife of Timothy Ling; and Renee’, wife of Nick Debias; Grandchildren Jared Ling, wife Rachel(Rodgers); Travis Ling and finance Kaylie Smith; Meaghan and husband Larry Hood; Danielle and husband Dave Bryce; Tiffany Debias, Samantha Debias and Erin Debias. Great Grandchildren Charlotte Elizabeth Ling, Henry Jared Ling and future Bryce Great Granddaughter in March 2017. Also survived by sisters in law; Vera Stophel and Freida Kelly and many nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Conemaugh High School. Roy enlisted in the U.S Army at the age of 18 in 1946 and served in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1948. He was a long- time member of Bethany United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher, usher and a member of numerous committees. Roy joined the H.F Lenz Company in 1953 where he worked as a draftsman and later supervised the drafting and design department for 24 years. He became a licensed professional engineer in 1978 and served as past Presidents of local chapters of PSPE and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. In 1987 he was named engineer of the year by the Johnstown Chapter of PSPE. Prior to his retirement in 1991 he held the position of Vice President and Principal of H. F. Lenz. Roy was a devoted husband and loving father, father in law, grandfather and great grandfather.  During Roy and Vie’s many years together they loved to travel across the country visiting 49 States (missing only Oregon). He also was a handyman and mentor to his son-in-law’s. He was an avid hunter, expert fisherman and golfer. Roy will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to the excellent staff at Arbutus Park Manor and Asera Care. Friends received 2-4 and 6-8 Friday December 2, 2016, at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Funeral Services to be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, Saturday December 3, 2016, at 11:30 AM. Pastor Larry Dunn, officiating. Also, friends received 1 hour prior to service at church. Entombment at Richland Cemetery Mausoleum with military rites by Marine Corps League, Conemaugh Valley Detachment.  Family suggests donations to Bethany U.M. Church Memorial Fund in memory of Roy.  (Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)