Wilson J. '"Sam"' Kelly

Constableville-Wilson J. "Sam" Kelly, 74, of John St., husband of Patricia, and a former long time resident of Thornton Ave. in Boonville, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2008, at his home, after a short illness, while surrounded by his loving caring family, and the care of Lewis Co. Hospice. He was born in Croghan, on June 11, 1934, a son of Wilson J. and Agnes Kraeger Kelly. As an infant, Sam moved with his family to the Fish Creek Hunting and Fishing Club, a private outdoorsmen's club that his parents operated for over sixty years. He attended a rural school in the vicinity of Fish Creek, and graduated from Constableville Central High School with the Class of 1952. While in high school he participated in Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball. For two years after high school, he attended Ithaca College, where he studied physical education, and played college baseball. On April 12, 1955, he entered the U.S. Army in the service of his country. During that time he served in Okinawa and Korea. Mr. Kelly was honorably discharged from military service on April 4, 1957, and from the Army Reserves in 1963. After his military service, he was employed at Lyonsdale Pulp and Paper Co., in 1959 he became a Journeyman Lineman for I.B.E.W. Local 49, of Syracuse, NY., where he was involved in the construction of high voltage power lines throughout New York state. Later Mr. Kelly began his long career as a lineman with Boonville Municipal Commission, retiring in 1992. In 2000 the couple moved to their present home on John St. near Constableville. On June 25, 1955, Sam was united in marriage with Patricia Beck at St. Martin's Church, Port Leyden. Mr. Kelly attended St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, and St. Mary's Churches in Constableville, and West Leyden, and he was a member of Boonville Elks Lodge # 2158. Always the life and center of any family gathering, or celebration, he greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards. During his life he was a member of The Fish Creek Club, Kelly Hill Hunting Club of Belfort and the Little Roaring Brook Hunting Club. During his last hunting trip to the state of Colorado, Sam shot the second largest mule deer ever taken from the ranch. He was also an avid NY Mets Baseball fan. Sam loved his wife and family. They were the center of his life, and in addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by three daughters and sons in law; Beth Ann Fox, and Bruce, Boonville, Sandra Earl and Chris, Constableville, Carolyn M. Green, and Phil, Rome, one son, and daughter in law; William J. Kelly, and Lynn, twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother and sister in law; Thomas R. Kelly, and Marlene, Boonville, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a host of good friends. He was predeceased by a great grandson, Joshua Gordon Davis, in April, 2008, and by a sister, Betty Ann Kelly, who died in 1934. His Funeral will be Wednesday, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville, where Rev. Donald H. Karlen, pastor, Rev. Lawrence Marullo, pastor of St. Mary's Churches of Constableville, and West Leyden, and Rev. Sean Patrick O'Brien, pastor of Christ Our Light Catholic Parish of Pulaski will concelebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment with Military Honors from the Charles J. Love Post American Legion Post 406, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W., and the Tun Tavern Leather Necks Marine Corps League will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Boonville. Calling hours are Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-9 P.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Lewis Co. Hospice, Inc. P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367, or to Constableville Fire Co., or to the American Cancer Society, Oneida/Herkimer Branch Office 100 Lomond Place Utica, NY 13502.