Though we only knew Deacon John Paul for a short amount of time, he touched our hearts with his sweet smile and pleasant conversations we had with him. He would occasionally come over and say hello to us before mass and make sweet faces at our young daughters. He was also standing next to Fr Tony at my confirmation, and gave me a warm smile as I was received into the Church on Easter Vigil 2023. His simple acts of kindness, though they may have seemed small, touched our souls and left an impact on us. We pray for the repose of his soul, and for the family he leaves behind.

Thank you John Paul for your Camaraderie and Joie de Vivre!
See you on the "Other Side"...
Alan Luthi

Dear Janet,
     Cynthia and I were stunned and deeply saddened to hear of John's passing.  Going through the diaconate training with you, John, myself and Cynthia, we were highly impressed by John's intelligence (he found you, right?), caring, running and how wonderful he was in his ministry for the Church.  Whenever there were get togethers with all the deacons, I would always gravitate towards John because I held him in such high esteem and wanted to see how he was doing and how you were doing, also.  
     Now that I'm retired from being a deacon, I can say that, looking back, John helped me be a better deacon more than just about anyone.
     We hold you in our prayers and think about you both with great fondness.
               Ed and Cynthia Scarbrough,  Coppell TX

I was watching the Olympic trials on tv the last couple of days.  While watching John Kelly came to mind.  He was a great track and cross country runner.  Out of curiosity I googled his name with the U of I.  What I found instead was his obituary; died recently on June 4th.  John and I were classmates for 8 years of Catholic grade school (Donovan, then St. Malachy’s ) and on through Rantoul Township High School.  John was one of those people you always liked to be with.  It was a pleasure serving mass with him as alter boys and getting his help in trying to earn a boy scout badge.  He encouraged me in my distance running efforts in P.E., and he probably wished that he had an hour glass or calendar instead of a watch to monitor my progress.  At our 50th high school reunion John fondly recalled our musical time together when registering for our last grade school year.  He spoke about my banging on the school piano as we belted out the song “You Belong To Me” (by the Duprees; also by Jo Stafford) and other tunes we knew until we could not sing anymore.  John was really into the moment, singing to the highest heaven.  The nuns did not stop us because they knew where we were.   One other special recollection shared by many of our classmates is when John would impersonate our high school Administrative Assistant Mr. Wiley in an unforgettable and charismatic cheerleading exercise to boost the spirit of the student body.  Even Mr. Wiley got a kick out of it.   If we had internet then that moment would have gone viral!  Thank you, John, for the memories.  Rest In Peace.  My thoughts and prayers go with you and your family.
Dave Klestinski, RTHS class of 1967

My condolences to the family. John was my mother’s attorney from when he first started his law practice in Dallas up until her death. He was a man of character and competence. My mother and the family trusted him as a lawyer and cherished him as a friend. He will be missed.

I’m so sorry Janet, Shannon and Keegan for your loss! My heart is broken and I know your heart is broken a million times worse!! I pray God comfort over you all! 

Teresa

You were my  boss but became a best friend, dad and mentor all wrapped up in one! I’ve never met anyone like you!! I love you and I am so very sad that I will never get to hear your voice again this side of Heaven!!  You touched my life in so many ways! I’m so grateful for the day you hired me to be your  legal assistant because it changed my life! I love you and I will never forget you!! I am so sad that you’re gone! I can’t wait till the day I see you again in Glory!!  I will always be your Erin Brokovich! Love you so much!!! Thank you for believing in me!!!

I just became a parishoner at CTK in May, and at my first Sunday mass, Deacon John Paul made a point in the communion line to stop me and ask how far along in my pregnancy I was, told me I looked great, and blessed my baby. He even made a comment to my mom behind me about how excited she must be to have a grandchild on the way. When I returned to my pew, I vividly remember thanking God for how much he consoled me through Deacon John Paul and his genuine excitement and love. It was also the only time I received a blessing for my baby as well throughout my entire pregnancy, and it meant so much to me. That was my only encounter with him, but it left such a strong impression on me that when I heard the news of his passing, I was really moved. I am so sorry for y'alls loss and know of my prayers for him and your family!

My wife, Julie, and I, married at Holy Trinity in January, 1994. Deacon Kelly served as our Pre Cana, marriage prep mentor.  As attorneys and members of the Catholic Church, Deacon Kelly and the Clancy’s paths would cross from time to time, and it always brought such joy, and brought back such special memories for Julie and I when they did! We were saddened to here of John’s passing, but grateful that we got the opportunity to play a small role in the life of a special man🙏

March 12th my husband died suddenly and left my two daughters and me in shock and confusion.  Deacon Kelly became our friend and guardian angel.  He helped us select a funeral home, arranged funeral services, led us through Mass selections of music and prayers and even came to the military burial sight.  He gave us support when it was badly needed.  If I can be there for you in any way please just let me know.  A grateful family and our prayers.  Marguerite Knight (CTK  Parishioner)

A wonderful man, God bless his soul.   Our deepest condolences to his family.

Dear Janet and Shannon, 

I am so sorry for your loss.  He was such a wonderful man and he helped us tremendously since we lost Elizabeth.

He will always be in my heart and in my prayers.

Fondly,
Gayle Agnew

Dear Mrs. Kelly, Keegan, Shannon and Chris, please accept our condolences. We are saddened by the news of your loss. Just last November, John was our source of comfort and faith-filled strength when our son and brother, Everett, suddenly passed. He prayed with us and for us. He presided at the vigil held for Everett at All Saints Chapel at the Episcopal School of Dallas and assisted at the funeral Mass.  We know he did the same for so many during his ministry, yet his connection with us was personal.  Please know we will be praying for you as he prayed for us. May the Holy Spirit comfort you.

With our sympathy, the family of Everett Weiler
Greg, Marilee, Henry and Kristen.

Janet and family,

My husband and I are ushers at the 9:30 Sunday service.  We always enjoyed visiting with John Paul at some point when he assist at mass.  We also enjoyed his sermons and the way he would tie in his message with a story or something that happened personally.  He certainly had a kind heart.  Our sympathy is with all of you.  May your loss be softened knowing he is now with God that he so loved as well.

Liz and Dean Meyer

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

John Paul Kelly

24 septembre 1949 – 4 juin 2024

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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