Gerald “Jerry” P. Kelly, 88, of Moneta, Virginia, formerly of Rumson, passed away peacefully July 4, 2025.
He was born a twin Sept. 21, 1936, to the late Gerald Costello and Carol Johnson Kelly. He is survived by the love of his life, Helen “Mitzi” Mears Kelly, to whom he was happily married for 64 years. He is also survived by his children, Sean (Randi), J.C. (Laura) and Sharon Kelly, as well as his sisters, Jean Butler and Sue Myers and his eight grandchildren, Harrison and Ryan Kelly, Meredith and Nolan Kelly, Bea and Hudson Kelly, and Grant and Kendal Satterfield.
He was predeceased by his son Patrick and his brother Danny.
Jerry was a graduate of Villanova University and had a lifelong love of cars. He spent many hours restoring several Ford Mustangs and even a prized 1939 Ford Deluxe convertible.
He became a police officer in his hometown of Rumson and, after being promoted to every position in the ranks, retired after 30 years of service as Chief of Police in 1993.
Retirement brought him and Mitzi to Smith Mountain Lake in 1997, where they developed many lasting friendships and enjoyed the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. He considered this paradise. They spent their time involved in volunteer work in the community and especially with Resurrection Catholic Church, where he was a proud member of the Tuesday Group for several decades.
The family would like to thank the staff of Bedford Memorial Hospital, Cardinal Senior Living and Affinity Hospice Care (Roanoke) for making his final days so peaceful.
A celebration of the life of Gerald P. Kelly will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta, Virginia. The funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. and be followed by interment on the church property. The family will then hold a reception at the Church in Morrow Hall for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s memory to the Resurrection Catholic Church Building Fund.
The article originally appeared in the July 17 – 23, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
