It is with great sadness we share that John Kelly passed away suddenly on July 29, 2024, at the age of 65. While working at Jackson’s Hardware in San Rafael, CA he met his future wife, Patty Miller. They married in 1991 and moved to Petaluma, CA where they lived for the next 21 years. They had one son, Conor Kelly, whom they both adored.

John was a loving husband and father. The family had many adventures: camping, playing sports, traveling and just spending time together. John and Patty later purchased a home on Orcas Island and, in 2014, were able to move and live there full-time.

Prior to COVID, John volunteered weekly with the Orcas Island Library. Through Orcas Island’s Parks & Recreation Dept. he was introduced to the game of Pickleball and it soon became his true passion. He was a fierce competitor, studied Pickleball strategy, and so loved the game that at every opportunity he told anyone and everyone how much fun it was, and encouraged them to play. John made lifelong friendships on those courts over the years and his enthusiasm was instrumental in bringing Pickleball courts to Buck Park. Recently, he even started playing several times a week in Mount Vernon at the Blackburn Pickleball Pavilion.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Patricia “Patty” Kelly; his son, Conor Kelly (Ellen) of Bothell WA; his parents, Eileen and Jim Pyka of Orcas Island; nieces, Brianna Kinkopf (Wes) of Felton, CA, Kelly Asperheim (Matt) of Santa Monica, CA; nephew, Will McNulty of Los Angeles, CA; and his brother-in-law, Bill McNulty (Michele) of Santee, CA. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kelly Sr, and his sister, Erin McNulty.

John will be remembered for his quick wit, engaging smile and generous spirit. We will celebrate his life on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Orcas Center at 1 p.m., and there will be time for friends and family to share a story or memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Orcas Center (www.orcascenter.org).