Richard "Rick" Herman Kelly

Mr. Richard H. Kelly, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on December 17, 2023, in Maricopa County, Arizona, at the age of 69. Rick was born on January 9, 1954 in Chicago, IL., the son of Marilyn Claire Mischke Kelly and Gary Kelly.

Since 1986, Rick has called Arizona home. He spent most of his adult life as a Sales Manager in the Automotive industry. Rick will be missed by all of his family and friends.

Rick spent the early years of his life in Illinois, graduated from Palatine High School, shortly thereafter married his wife of 36 years Janet Elizabeth Moss Kelly, and had three children together.

After getting tired of the cold in Illinois, Rick and family hopped in a UHaul, made the drive and moved to the sunny and warm city of Phoenix, Arizona, where he and Janet raised their three kids Todd, Jenny and Chris. He worked for/with Lou and Dan Grubb as a Sales Manager with their family Automotive Dealerships for just over 10 years.

After getting tired of the big city life, Rick and his family moved up to Northern Arizona to a peaceful small town and wonderful place called the Verde Valley, Cottonwood, Arizona.

It was for many years that Rick worked in the Automotive industry in Cottonwood. Throughout his career, he worked hard for both his family at home, as well as for the extended families of these car dealerships. Rick was a true professional, in every way. Before retirement, he was even able to open and run his own Family Auto business, Kelly Auto Sales making him a very happy and proud man to work side by side with his two sons, Chris and Todd Kelly.

In retirement, Rick’s passions were riding his Harley Davidson in the beautiful Verde Valley and beyond. He also loved being around the water very much, and for many years, he and his family had the beautiful joy and opportunity to celebrate wonderful times together, spending much time on his boat on the glorious and majestic Lake Powell. He also loved hiking and Kayaking.

Another true love of Rick’s was spending time with his dog, Harley, his beloved furry best friend. Amongst others, but lastly, a great passion of Rick’s was going to listen and dance to the local live bands, Rick had a huge love for music. He was a “give the shirt off his back” kind of guy and loved to help anyone he could.

Rick was an absolutely amazing man in every way. Tremendous and loving son, husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. Rick loved his beautiful friends in Illinois, Phoenix, and in the Verde Valley (Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, Rimrock) that he cherished spending time with!

Rick will be sadly missed by all, May his memory live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Rick is survived by his children Todd and Chris; brothers Bob and Steve Kelly, his sister Krysten, step-brother Gary; grandson, Ryder Stone Kelly; daughter-in-law Jennifer Jo Kelly, all of his nieces and nephews, and all of his many cherished friends.

To send expressions of sympathy to Rick‘s family, or upload a photograph, or to share fond memories with the Kelly family please visit www.phoenixorialmortuary.com.