Obituaries

In Memoriam: Longtime Sea Bright Resident, Steve Kelly, 79

“I am leaving you with a gift — peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” ~John 14:27

“With heavy hearts full of love and cherished memories, we share our beloved Steve Kelly, of Sea Bright, passed into God’s graces on Sept. 20.” He was 79.

“Steve was a loved husband, father, grandfather and brother … He spent the last 36 years with his wife, Debbie; and, they made Sea Bright their home in 1998 … He was a proud husband and father and lived for all things Sea Bright, especially the sunsets over the Shrewsbury and sunrises overlooking the Atlantic. He enjoyed watching the NY Giants and NY Mets with friends and family … Steve was a proud American, and also proud of his Irish heritage, and eagerly awaited the St. Patrick’s season each year! He had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshall of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2002 … Steve had an extensive knowledge and love for boating, fishing, sailing and the ocean, which he passionately shared with his family and all who knew him.”  

Loved ones of Steve Kelly in his obituary

Steve was born in New York, NY, and grew up in Short Hills. He was the son of the late John and Violet Kelly “who shared with him, countless lessons and traditions Steve passed on to his children and grandchildren.”

Steve owned Quality Engraving Company, Buchlein Badges and Kelly’s Badges and Awards in Newark. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Steve leaves behind to celebrate his memory and keep strong many traditions: his beloved wife, Deborah (Bright) Kelly; his brother, John Kelly (LeeEllen); his sister, Sheila Dresser (Douglas); his children, the late Kerrie Kelly, Stephen Scott Kelly (Amy), of Sea Bright, Michael Kelly (Tara), of Spring Lake Heights, and Christine Heidel (Brett), of Dunedin, FL; his grandchildren, Sara, Danny, Samantha, Patrick, Katelyn, Andrew, Grace, Michael and Amanda; nieces and nephews, and faithful pup Casey.  

Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. A mass will be celebrated on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10:15 a.m. at St. Leo the Great RC Church, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft section of Middletown.  

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred in Steve’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Foundation (https://www.stjude.org/) or Tunnel To Towers Foundation (Tunnel To Towers for donation “In Memory of” online form). 

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home