Charles Dennis Kelly

Charles D. Kelly, 80, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Charles was born August 26, 1943, in Dayton, Ohio, to Anna (Mercurio) Kelly and Charles McGowan Kelly. He was raised by his beloved grandma and grandpa, Edith and Philip Mercurio. Charles attended St Joseph Grade School and was a 1961 graduate of Chaminade High School. He started his career in the tool and die industry at Laughter Corporation, where he worked for nearly 30 years, and continued until he retired...finally in 2014.

Charles had a passion for racing and things that go fast. He worked with his uncles building and driving race cars in the early years. Later, he loved watching racing of any kind…cars, motorcycles, horses, or dogs…as long as they were fast. Of all the cars he owned through the years…and it was a lot, his favorite has been his bright yellow convertible Corvette, and he could be seen cruising around town on sunny days. His favorite pastimes were tinkering with cars and watching his black-and-white westerns. Charles was a huge fan of Notre Dame and expected every year to be “their year”!

Most importantly, Charles loved being a dad. He was proud of both his children, but the true loves of his life were his grandchildren. He never tired of wanting more time with them. Charles was a good and generous man. We all thought we would have more time, but the good Lord had other plans. We all have a hole in our hearts and a void in our lives. Charles, Chuck, Kelly or Chick, whatever name we have used…you will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Charles is survived by his children: son Ross (Natoshia) Kelly of Findlay, OH, and daughter Lynn (Michael) Exlos of Quantico, VA; his 3 grandchildren, John Exlos, Hannah Exlos, and Brooks Kelly.

He leaves sisters Cheryl Kelly of Dayton, OH; Cindy (John) Dearborn of Melbourne, AR; Jill (Don) Campbell, Abby Courtney, and Angie (Shannon) Jeffrey of Booneville, MO, and brother Kim (Stephanie) Kelly of Dayton, OH; goddaughters, Alyson Dearborn and Erin Kelly Preston, and his best friend and partner, Barbara Caudill. He leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, family, and friends to remember him. Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and all of his aunts and uncles.

His Visitation will be Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM at St Joseph Church, where he was a parish member, 411 E. Second St. Dayton, Ohio, followed by Mass at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children's Research Center, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN,38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, is handling arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com