Michael Joseph Kelly

On July 5, 2025, Michael Joseph Kelly, 65, of Penn Township, began his journey to be united with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Michael’s earthly journey began on September 24, 1959, as the seventh child of the late William and Elizabeth Kelly of Monroeville, PA.

He, along with William (Maria), Jeffrey (Sharon), Barbara (the late Paul Jagdmann), Susan (Mark Hogrefe), Colleen (Edward Dugger), and Patricia (Dennis Martin), grew up in a noisy but loving family.  He had twelve nieces and nephews and twenty-five great nieces and nephews. He graduated from Gateway High School and went on to earn a degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  Michael spent a year in Nancy, France, during his college years and became a fluent French speaker.  He then returned to France to teach English for two years in Nice and Marseille.

As the years ensued, Mike became a victim of drug and alcohol addiction.  In the late 90s, he came back from 8 years in Long Beach, California, to care for his aging parents. From then until March 12, 2014, Michael struggled with the demons associated with addiction. That day marked the beginning of a new and radically different life that had an enormous impact on the friends that he made over the next 11 years. The wonders of the twelve-step program and the turning of his life to Christ profoundly changed him. What can’t be underestimated was the strength and determination he showed during his change of life. He was courageous in the face of the many obstacles that presented themselves during his journey.

A car accident and the subsequent events started him on a new path. His sister, Barbara took him to his first AA meeting - that’s when the magical transformation began. It wasn’t easy at first, but when his sponsor and the folks at Cornerstone Ministries welcomed him with love and understanding, his life began to change. He found purpose and resolve.  With his own transformation, he began to help heal others who had their own painful struggles.  He became a light for the people at AA, Cornerstone, the Westmoreland Garden Club, and so many other places. His love for Christ and his fellow colleagues changed his life; it serves as an inspiration and shows that God indeed has a plan for everyone.

A Memorial Service for Michael will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Cornerstone Ministries.  There will be an opportunity for friends of Michael to meet and offer condolences to his family at 10:00 am.  There will be a reception after the service at Cornerstone Ministries.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Westmoreland County Food Bank, 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626, in Michael's name.  For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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