Obituary of Richard Patrick Kelly, Jr.
Piscataway, NJ – Richard “Rick” Patrick Kelly, Jr., 65, a long-time resident of Piscataway, passed away on January 1, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Somerville, NJ.
Born to the late Richard P. Kelly, Sr. and Rosemarie (nee Mortellito) Kelly in Elizabeth, NJ, the Kelly family lived briefly in Kirkland, OH before settling in Metuchen when Rick was eight years old. It was here he grew up and attended Metuchen High School, lettering in both football and wrestling. Most importantly, this is where he acquired his lifelong love of music.
Rick proudly owned and operated Kelrose Construction Company alongside his father from 1979 to 2001. He later joined the Carpenters Local 254, from which he retired in 2020.
An avid musician, Rick enjoyed playing guitar and singing, performing as the lead vocalist and guitar player for several bands over the years. Most recently, you could find him as the front man of the classic rock cover band, Mid-Life Crisis, also known as MLC. He was an active member and supporter of the Sons of the American Legion at Post 261 in Piscataway.
Rick enjoyed sitting on his back porch, riding his motorcycle alongside his brothers, and fishing. But most importantly, family was what meant the most to him, especially his proudest achievement- his children.
He is predeceased by both parents, Richard Patrick Kelly, Sr., in 2001, Rosemarie Kelly, in 2022, and his brother, Joseph Kelly, in 1986. Rick leaves behind his best friend and love of his life, his wife of 38 years, Sandra “Sandi” (nee Molnar) Kelly, along with his children, Amanda “Manny” (Lizzie) Kelly, Rachael (Camil) Karpinski, and Richard “Eric” Patrick (Steph) Kelly III. He will be deeply missed by the family dog Bella, along with numerous extended relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 3 PM to 7 PM.
Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 6:30 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the Kelly family has asked that you carry on Rick’s charismatic, kind hearted, free-spirited nature and pay it forward.