Obituary of Paul Kelly

Paul B. Kelly Allegany, NY-Judge Paul B. Kelly of 1041 Chipmonk Rd. died Thursday (November 26, 2009) in United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, NY. Born March 8, 1922 in Alberta, Canada he was the son of Frank H. and Katherine S. Sexton Kelly. On December 1, 1951 in Cresskill, NJ he married Doris J. Bryer who survives. Judge Kelly was a 1940 graduate of Batavia High School and attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY prior to serving with the US Army from 1945 to 1946. He then attended New York Law School in New York City where he graduated with LLB in October 1951. Following his admission to the bar in August, 1953 he started his own law practice in Allegany, NY and later was joined in practice by Michael Nenno where they formed the law partnership of Kelly and Nenno. In May of 1985 he was appointed to the position of Cattaraugus County Judge and was later elected to that position in November of 1985. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 1991. Upon retirement he held the position of Judicial Hearing Officer until 2008. He was a longtime member of the Cattaraugus County Bar Association and was a current member and former trustee of the Allegany Area Historical Association. He also was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The community of Allegany lost a trusted friend and counselor upon his passing. Through judicious wit and wisdom, he guided many individuals to happier and more successful lives. He will be remembered as a skilled and compassionate guardian of the rights of children, families and individuals. He was guided in his decisions by his admiration for Abraham Lincoln and Charles Dickens. He encouraged his family and friends to read widely and treasure their education. Surviving besides his wife are 5 daughters Kathleen (Michael Vernelli) Kelly of Kitchener, Ontario, Cecilia (Mark) Ladd and Mary (Edward) Burns, both of Batavia, Bridget (Gerald) Bertoldo of Attica and Monica (Brian Brunza) Kelly of Maine, NY; a sister-in-law Sheila Kelly of Washington, DC and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, all of whom are grateful for his special devotion to their education, artistic and athletic endeavors. He was predeceased by 1 son Frank G. Kelly on February 20, 1981; 3 brothers Francis Kelly, Hugh Kelly and John Kelly and 1 sister Joan Cauley. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean today from 7-9pm and on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A prayer service will be held Monday (November 30, 2009) at 10:30am in the funeral home. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00am in St. Joseph's Maronite Church. Rev. Fr. Joseph G. Akiki, administrator, will be the celebrant. An incense prayer service will be held Sunday at 7:30pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Allegany Area Historical Association or to Focus on the Children, PO Box 31 Caledonia, NY 14423.