"To the Kellys: John was a pivotal figure in my life. I feel his loss deeply, yet I can only guess the gravity of his loss on each of you. All of you shaped my life profoundly by virtue of my late big sister Colleens close friendships with you by being the very best of the greatest generation of youth our society will ever see My world view was shaped early from Colleens influence, and energy which radiated from the house behind is on Harvard. By the time I had skills to do something in high school, John appeared along with an opportunity to something to make a difference. He shattered my perceived barriers about what an East Side kid could do. I could get elected to senate if I chose to. He helped me clarify the difference between left and right; right and wrong; between reality and smoke n mirrors. By example he showed me how to be passionate but realistic; righteous but humble; tough but good. He worked hard but loved it...and I loved busting my tail for him on campaigns. Even though my mother admonished me to do whatever it was she thought would make me a success. But here is the behautiful irony - why cant you be like the Kellys?! was the Mazur kids constant refrain from our mom. John never failed to reward my hard work. A job as a Senate Page led to an internship with Sen Carl Levin, and a phone call led to my first professional job with Sen Don Riegle. And all of the community service, and street schooling on politics, and inside baseball talks resulted in being accepted at an Ivy Leavue grad school. What I learned from John still informs my work today in organizational transformation consulting. I did what you told me, mom. I became more like the Kellys! If this condolence is overly self indulgent I apologize. I feel a loss in not being able to fully express my gratitude to John (even though he might have shrugged it off). But this is also an opportunity to convey to the Kellys writ large my gratitude for your collective influence on me. You all brought a collective energy and sensibility to our entire neighborhood. I parochial Camelot, of you will. I feel fortunate to have been shaped by this special time and place inhabited by the Kellys. John, rest is peace my friend. And thank you. Jim Mazur "
In loving memory of
John F. Kelly
September 6, 1949 - September 16, 2018
John F. Kelly's Wonderfully Full Life
John Francis Kellys immense love of life propelled him at top speed throughout his far too brief 69 years. Family, friends, former students and colleagues all agree Johns keen mind was only surpassed by his boundless energy. He was the fourth of the seven remarkable children of Robert and Margaret Kelly, raised on the east side of his beloved Detroit.
Far more interested in having fun than making grades, John regularly tested the resolve of the brothers at Bishop Gallagher High School. Defying expectations, he grew up to become a Fulbright scholar and earned a PhD in Political Science from Wayne State University and his Juris Doctor from Detroit College of Law. A gifted debater, John served four terms In the Michigan State Senate, where he was a progressive Democrat who battled for the revitalization of Detroit long before it was popular. John developed a strong respect and love of military service. He earned the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and served as a defense attach in South Africa where he worked to improve the daily lives of millions. Recently, he worked to ensure more Africans had access to clean water. He was also a liaison to the Detroit FBI, as a task force officer on a joint federal law enforcement unit dedicated to counter-terrorism research, in addition to being a trusted attorney and respected professor. As a tireless champion for good, he loved fighting for forgotten people who desperately needed a voice. While John collected many professional titles, his focus was always on helping people.
Above all, his heart belonged to family and friends. When asked how he was able to accomplish so much, he often said I had an amazing mother. John found an adventure partner in Nikki Williams and the two were married in 2013. Nikki helped keep John grounded while sharing their love of travel and exploring the world together. But laughter is what they shared the most.
Out of countless awards, military honors and degrees, he was most proud of being an educator. As a professor with the University of Windsor, Oakland University, Wayne State University and the National Defense University, he taught the next generation of leaders how to create a better future. Johns passion for knowledge and education lives on with his daughter Dana who is an accomplished teacher in New Hampshire. His love of animals, lives on in his step-daughter Colby who is a zookeeper. Johns gregarious spirit and talent for occasionally making a grand ruckus lives on in his grandson Jack, as well as his liberal use of salty language which John taught all of us.
The world will miss John almost as much as his family and friends who will always remember his sense of humor, generosity and immense heart.
Surviving John are: His wife Nikki Williams; daughter Dana Kelly (Garrett Miller) and their son Jack; stepdaughter Colby Frantz (Chris Frantz). Siblings: Maureen and her children Mark and Nicole; Susan (Jan Findlater); Robert (Helen) and their children Corby (fianc Gayle Abrahams); Cristy Phillips (Bryan) and their children Georgia and James; David Patrick (Juliana) and daughter Margarethe Jane; Margaret (Stephen Lee); Kathleen (Greg Jakub) and their son Andy; his in-laws Jo Willson and Alan Kilar; Nikkis siblings and their families. John is survived by numerous friends and colleagues all over the world. He is predeceased in death by his wife Toni, daughter Rebecca, and his parents Robert and Margaret Kelly.
A gathering will be held for Johns many friends and family on Monday, Sept. 24 at the Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park, 350 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 from 2 to 6:30 p.m. A short program celebrating Johns amazing life and accomplishments will follow at 6:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Civil Liberties Union or the American Cancer Society.
Tributes
"I extend my deep sympathies to John's family and friends. As an active member of the Tiger Stadium Fan Club in the 1990's I have very fond memories of working with John and the group when he provided great counsel and assisted in the effort to save the historic ballpark while opposing public financing for a new one. He was such a courageous, tireless, and passionate advocate. His boundless energy and enthusiasm was contagious. I loved the mischievous twinkle in his eyes when he came up with often creative ideas.John was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed by so many, many people. A tremendous loss. "
"Thank you John for being so good to our daughter Sarah. She could always depend on your help and loving fatherly advice.
"
"My condolences and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May memories comfort you in the days ahead."
"On behalf of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies Academic Affairs Team, I write to express our deepest sadness and condolences to Dr. Kelly's family. We have celebrated his legacy in the past few days by recounting and remembering the numerous stories and adventures that we had while working with Dr. Kelly. One theme that I noticed that we all had in common is that he was our rock star - a shining light on all of our days. Whether it was someone in the team he managed or someone in the cleaning staff - Dr. Kelly treated all of us with such respect, regard, and kindness. He warmed our hearts in so many ways and took care of so many of us. We laughed together, traveled, and discussed serious issues on Africa security topics. Dr. Kelly's legacy at the Africa Center will live on in the hearts of so many that he touched... He will be missed, remembered, and celebrated by all of us."
"Dana, I am so sorry for your loss. I've been remembering your dad this week, particularly when I went to your house for Easter and we sat down and your dad was asked to say grace. He promptly put his hands in an "om" position on the table, closed his eyes and said, "Buddha. Allah. God. Mother Earth. . ." and went on from there. I also remember the cake he brought to our graduation party in our grimy Ann Arbor house that was decorated with mini beer cans. I called him once when I got a speeding ticket in Detroit on the way home from a concert and he made it disappear. He was an absolute joy of a person, who loved and was loved so deeply. I am thinking of you and your family, and wishing you peace and comfort. Love you. "
"So sorry for your loss"
"Rest in Peace my dear brother"
"John was a great senator for Michigan and a great diplomat for our country. He was a great friend as well. I will miss his humor, his style, his wit, and his intelligence. Rest In Peace."
"John, just like Rebecca heard your prayers, I hope you will hear mine. You were the best brother anyone could ask for. Full of imagination and love. Thank you."
"I am deeply saddened to learn of John Kelly's passing. John spent seven years as a liaison to the Detroit Federal Bureau of Investigation and as a task force officer to a Joint federal law enforcement (JTTF) unit dedicated to counter-terrorism. John was also an integral part in establishing the Defense Intelligence Agency in Southeast Michigan -- Most importantly, John truly was a great friend, an excellent mentor and subject matter expert of all those on FBI Detroit CT-1 around the time of 9/11. In spite of the terrible emptiness that is in a corner of my heart and the corners of the hearts of everyone who ever knew him, I am proud so very proud to be his friend. He will be sorely missed and we shall always remember him and his contributions."
"Dr. Kelly will be missed by so many. We have been so sad at the Africa Center with the news of his passing. A true mentor, visionary, and inspiration to all of us. I have so many memories of working with Dr. Kelly and having so much fun in meetings! He was so humble and yet with so many amazing accomplishments. And he had such a presence as he would walk in to a room full of people and brighten it. He had such a gift of making everyone feel comfortable around him. R.I.P., Dr. Kelly. "
"John you made a real difference in this world and in my life. Thank you for your public and military service and all those wonderful and meaningful memories that we shared through the years in our mutual military careers.
God Bless you John and rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you greatly but I know that you will live on through all those wonderful memories for me and for so many others.
Thank you John for making me a better person. I celebrate you!"
"Goodbye to a great father, soldier, teacher, advocate (and so many more). I will miss our passionate discussions about our beloved homeland. I will remember you as a great patriot, not the variety who stumbles on to the Patriot Bus, smugly confident that he won't get kicked off. I accept your leaving us, because I know the joy it will bring you to be welcomed by loved ones on the other side. I hope once again to have the chance to view the hot fire beneath your cool blue eyes, though not too soon, because I know that will mean that I have made it to a better place."
"A man is judged by his accomplishment and he accomplished so many. You will be missed."
"RIP my friend and Brother in Arms.
You were one of the Best!"
"John's heart for people was so big and so inclusive. He fought so hard for the cause of justice for so many people. Yet he still found time to share a laugh over a cup of coffee. He was a gentleman, an advocate, a warrior, a peacemaker and a uniter. I am privileged to have known him for a brief but timely season of life. I say Rest in Peace, John. Yet I know you are still working hard to help others, even on the Other Side. That's your spirit."
"Your life was too short John. It was so nice to see you at our 50th reunion.
May you rest in peace now."
"Dear Jack, Dana, and Nikki: I'm having a hard time finding the words to write, but I can say that I loved Dr. Kelly, your grandfather, your father, your husband. I met Dr. Kelly at one of the most vulnerable times of my life, and he fought for me. He picked me up. At a time when I had a young family and was trying to launch my career, he told me he saw a lot of himself in me. He did the same for many others, and we all remain close to this day because he brought us together (we all met today after work). He fought for us and backed us up and was always on our side. When my son was in the NICU after he was born, he brought the whole A-Team to the hospital to visit us, even when small-minded "leadership" insisted it was past lunch break. My kids thought he was their grandpa at one point. He loved his family more than anything. He inspired me, and so many others. We laughed with him, we rolled our eyes at him, we grew with him, but more than anything we listened to him, even when what he was saying was ridiculous. At a time in my life when I needed him most, he gave so much of himself, and I've rarely felt closer to someone than I did to him during the time I was in his life. The last time I saw him, I dropped him off at the airport at an ungodly early hour, as I had so many times in the past. It was after Susan and Ted's wedding, when he gave an unscripted speech, at our request, that brought tears and laughter to everyone. I told him "bon voyage." He waved and said "always.""
"Dear family. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. What brings me comfort in times like these is the scripture found at Revelation 21: 3, 4 where God promises to do away with all sickness and death forever. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and may Jehovah, the God of all comfort, be with your family during this most difficult time in your lives."
"Dear John, I hope your journey reunites you with so many loving faces. You surely are leaving a giant hole behind here in the hearts of many. You always had such a presence and charm. You could always make a room light up with laughter and enthusiasm. You were such an inspirational and transformative leader, mentor, buddy, and listener. Very few people, especially with your year's of experience could make even the most humble person feel like a super star. Much love and strength to your family. Cheers for the road. I look forward to knowing you again in the next life. Peace and Blessings, Jamila "
"John had the capacity to make everyone feel welcome and as interesting as he. He always strived to make the world a better place each and everyday, something that typically exhausts the rest of us. For this I admire him and mourn his passing. Wish I had one more lunch with you John to say how much I appreciated your soul on this earth. Rest in peace friend and deepest condolences to your wife, daughter and extended family."
"Dear Nikki and family, Words fail to express the sorrow I share with you on the news of John's passing. He was a partner in crime during so many African adventures. But he was also a man of great love for you, his girls, and the family he leaves behind. He was a role model, mentor, friend, and confidante to a sea of people, his impact on many of whom he probably had no idea. Be comforted by the memories he leaves behind, his huge laugh, his love of life, and his never ending desire to make the world a better place. Deepest sympathies, Brad and Beth Gutierrez, Alexandria, VA. "