Joseph Richard Kelly

Deacon Joe Kelly, age 81, passed away on January 25, 2024, the same day he celebrated 60 years of marriage with his wife Peggy. His life of service to the Catholic faith started long before his ordination as a deacon. His passion for teaching started with his ministry of leading various youth groups in the mid 70’s. His home was always open to family, friends and anyone who needed a safe place where they could be loved and accepted for who they were. Several foster children were welcomed into the Kelly family over the years because of his loving nature. In 1978, he was ordained a deacon of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Galveston Houston. He served in several churches in the Southwest Houston area including St. Theresa in Sugar Land, St. Thomas Aquinas in Sugar Land, Sacred Heart in Richmond, and finally at Our Lady of Lourdes in Hitchcock upon retirement. Deacon Joe immersed himself into parish life and developed a loving relationship with the people and community of each church along the way.

He had a passion for preaching and teaching, often leading RCIA programs with Peggy in the parishes where he served. He had a reputation as a storyteller as he felt stories were easy to relate to and it modeled the teachings of Jesus. Deacon Joe’s love for connecting with people is what set him apart and made him so effective in his ministries. His passion for preaching and teaching was due to his efforts to convey to people just how much God Loved them and wanted a personal relationship with them. Always the servant, he was both able to lead large groups or pick up chairs and mop the floor. Having completed his decades of service to the church, he attended St. Laurence Catholic Church the last years of his life with his wife and family.

In addition to his service to the church, Joe was successful in his business ventures as well. He worked for companies such as NASA, Lockheed-Martin, Gulf Oil, Chevron, Sperry, Unisys, and completed his career at Schlumberger. Joe held a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and later obtained his master’s degree from Houston Baptist University.

Deacon Joe is survived by his wife, Peggy. They have three children- Joe Jr. (deceased), Shawn and family (Tracy, Cameron, Grace, Shane), Mary and family (Zephren with children Jackson and Sapphire, Cassidy). His niece Terry and family (Michelle, Kelly, Roberta, Jaime), and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Deacon Joe was an incredible blessing to so many people and he will be greatly missed. Deacon Joe suffered from Lewy Body Disease the later years of his life. His suffering is now over, he has been called home. He is at peace, praise God.

A memorial Mass will be offered for Deacon Joe Kelly at St. Laurence Catholic Church in Sugar Land, Texas.

His final resting place will be in Santa Fe, Texas.