John Edward Kelsey

John Edward Kelsey, age 69, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011, following a lengthy battle against cancer. He was born March 3, 1942 in Lancaster, Ohio; the first son to the late Raymond H. and Lucille A. Kelsey. Jack, as he was known to his family (to his everlasting irritation), grew up on Lilley Avenue in Columbus and graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1960. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from high school so that he could see the world. He spent time as an air traffic controller both during and after his years of service and for the rest of his life could always name any machine in the air by sound alone. A creative and intelligent man, he spent 24 years working for General Electric Superabrasives and held a number of patents. Jack followed his own path. He truly enjoyed his family and shared a special bond with his sister, Pat. He hated to be alone and loved to bask in the love of his family at family gatherings. His family liked to joke that they would do anything for him – and he would let them. He loved birds and classical music. He was a great intellectual and a “jack of all trades” and could teach anybody how to do just about anything, but woe to the person who interrupted him during the lesson! Jack was a bright light who will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Lou Bedard and Christina Horner, and his brother-in-law, Emile Bedard. He is survived by his son, David (Celeste), daughter, Rachel; brothers, Joseph, Timothy (Audrey), Mark (Betty), Robert (Margaret), William (Cynde); sister, Patricia Davis; his much beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Trenton, and Erin, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Friends may call 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2011 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 E. North Broadway with Monsignor Stephan Moloney, Celebrant. Family interment at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Social Services J.O.I.N. program, 578 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43215, in his memory.