Alex F. 'Zel' Kelly

WILKES-BARRE-Alex F. “Zel” Kelly, formerly of Heather Highlands, Pittston, passed away Wednesday morning at Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. Born in Wilkes-Barre on October 29, 1932, he was the son of the late Anthony and Nellie (Aleknavicius) Kelly. He enjoyed the past three years residing with family of Jeffrey, Grace, Stephanie, Kimberly, Jeffrey, III, and Michael Carter in White Haven. Prior to retirement he was employed as an over-the-road truck driver for various local companies. He loved to take his family on trips with him to see the country. He also worked as a cook at the Wilkes-Barre Golf Club, was a diesel mechanic, and a former driver for the late Mayor Luther Kniffen. Zel was a Jack of all trades and said he could fix anything, but a broken heart would take him two weeks. He was an avid ham radio operator. His call signal was WB3JQF. He grew up in the Heights section of Wilkes-Barre and attended Wilkes-Barre city schools. Zel loved to spend his days on the water fishing. He entertained family and friends at his fishing cabin in Cape Vincent, New York. He loved cooking big meals for his family and watching everyone enjoy eating. He was a dedicated Indianapolis Colts fan. He will be sadly missed by all who love him. He was preceded in death by his first wife, the former Rosemary Reiser who passed away October 13, 1987; an infant son Robert Kelly; brothers John, Joseph, and Anthony Majikis; sisters Eleanor Reiser and Helen Noel. Surviving are his daughters Karen Janoski, Patricia (Kelly) Sennett with husband Donald, Alexandria Kelly; sons Anthony and Michael Kelly, all of Wilkes-Barre; his former wife Patricia (Stavetski) Kelly; his stepchildren Shannon Ricci, Hazleton, John Ricci, Jr., Nichole Patronick, Chere (Simon) Fuller with husband Michael, all of Wilkes-Barre, and Grace (Simon) Carter with husband Jeffrey, White-Haven, a nephew, Henry Noel of Wilkes-Barre, 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. “Cherrio, pip pip” A visitation will be held Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00p.m. at Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.