Brad Kelley passed away peacefully on Friday, April 23rd at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster after a courageous 4 year battle with cancer. He was 62 years young.
Brad was born on December 7th, 1958 to Jim and Mary (Haught) Kelley, both of Wooster. He graduated from Wooster High School in 1977 and worked the majority of his adult life at Akron Brass in the foundry where he proudly made firefighting equipment. He retired in 2016 after 34 years of service and started that new chapter of his life with plans to travel with his family and get back to his passion for boating on Lake Erie. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma shortly after retirement, so his plans were sadly put on hold.
He married his wife of 34 years, Susan Kelley, on May 26th, 1990. Brad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He gladly helped anyone in need and did so with a kind heart and a smile on his face. He always put others before himself and never asked for anything in return. His mechanic skills were unparalleled and he could repair anything. Brad was not a military veteran, but was a proud American patriot and member of the NRA. He loved his country and no one put on a better 4th of July fireworks display than him. Fall was his favorite season – to him this meant wearing Carhartt sweatshirts daily, Cleveland Browns football, and preparing for his favorite holiday – Halloween. He loved taking his grandkids for rides on his Steiner tractor and they loved it, too. Some people are just made to be grandparents and he was definitely one of them. He was a proud Poppy until the very end. He attended every school event, every sporting event, and was their biggest fan. Even in the end, only 2 short weeks before he passed, he made it a point to come and watch his granddaughter Lillie at soccer practice. To say he has left a huge void in our lives is an understatement. He faced every treatment, every appointment, and every procedure with grace. He never complained and did everything he could to stay here on Earth with his family. He did it all for us and we will never be able to thank him enough for his sacrifice, so we could have as much time with him as possible. We will all miss him more than we can put into words.
Surviving in addition to his wife Susan are his children Heather (Brad) Kirven of Wooster and Craig Kelley of Akron. 4 grandchildren- Lillie Kirven, Brody Kirven, Civi Kelley, and Winnie Kelley, his brother Paul Kelley of Wooster, his mother Mary Kelley of Wooster and fur babies Tucker and Oliver.
He is preceded in death by his father Marvin Jim Kelley who passed 4 years ago to the day as Brad, his nephew Kyle Kelley, and his 3 Golden Retrievers – Molly, McKenzie, and Abby.
Per Brad’s wishes there will be no calling hours and a private family service will be held at Wooster Cemetery. We would like to thank everyone for their kindness in our time of sorrow. Your thoughtfulness is so comforting to us.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Service
Private family services will be held
Visitation
No calling hours
So very sorry for all of you !! He will be deeply missed !!!
To Susan, Craig, Heather and all the Kelley family:
We are so sorry to hear about Brad’s passing. We truly value our time spent with Brad and his family. We enjoyed our boating life at Lake Erie with the Kelleys. Brad was always so helpful and friendly, especially with our children. Brad was always ready to fix anything with a motor including boats and vehicles. His advice and help with “fix it” projects was invaluable. Susan, if you need any help with anything during this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to call us.
Your thoughts are with us, always.
Susan & family, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers – I am so very sorry for your loss.
Susan, Heather and Family
I am very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. I know he was very loved and you will miss him dearly. I am thinking about you all and pray for you comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss Susan and family. If you need anything just message me on Facebook. May God be with you all . Love you.
Our heartfelt condolences to Susan, Heather and family. This beautiful obituary said it all about Brad. He was indeed a special man who will missed by all who knew and loved him. We are here for you if you need anything at all.
Susan and family. Our condolences on the passing of Brad. Many fond memories of the years living just down Mechanicsburg Road from Brad and his parents. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Shirley Beckler and Joel.
Susan, I’m so very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. I really enjoyed working with him. I cannot tell you how much help he was to me when I was working in the foundry. He was always willing to lend a hand or give me advice. We both enjoyed the music of the Celtic Women and I told him of the things I saw on a trip my wife and I took to Ireland. Again, my sincerest condolences.
Woody
Susan, Aunt Mary, Paul and Craig. You have my deepest sympathies and I’m sending many prayers and much love to you all. Brad was a wonderful cousin and will be missed.
Dear Susan,Craig,Heather and family.
We would like to express our condolences in the passing of your husband and father.
Brad was a wonderful human being and I enjoyed being his “sister-in-law” many years ago. He was easy to talk to and fun to hang out with. There was never a dull moment.I will always remember his smile and positive attitude.
God bless each of you and may he rest in peace. He is now walking with my Kyle and Pap.
All of our love and hugs,
Teresa and Jimi
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Susan and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I worked with Brad at Akron Brass and will miss talking to him whenever I would see him. Sympathy and prayers for the family.