Obituary of Ernest G. Kelley

KELLEY , ERNEST G. "Grandpa" Age 85 of Horseheads , NY passed away on Thursday October 2 , 2014 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Ernie was born March 21 ,1929 in Elmira , NY the son of the late Ernest Ora Kelley and Vera Mae Miller Kelley. He was a graduate of Southside High School Class of 1946. Ernie was a Veteran of World War II serving his country with The U.S. ARMY during Post War Occupation in Italy. He married his wife , Amelia Adelaide "Addie" Hennigan Kelley , on December 26 , 1948 and they would have celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary on December 26 , 2014. Ernie was a graduate of Alfred Ag & Tech and worked for National Homes , National Millbrook Bread Company , and Rotary Gas Company prior to beginning his career with The U.S. Post Office in Horseheads , NY . He was a retired letter carrier who always had a smile everyday he worked. Ernie was a member of The Bentley-Trumble American Legion Post # 442 where he ran Bingo for over 30 years . He served on The Board of Directors for Horseheads Babe Ruth , delivered for Meals On Wheels with his wife Addie for several years , was a member of The Horseheads Old Oak Lodge # 364 F.&A.M. , an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing . He also enjoyed playing cards and bowling . Mr. Kelley and his wife Addie were long-time members of The First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads . As a former wrestler himself in both high school and The U.S. Army Ernie was an avid fan of High School Wrestling and attended matches all over New York State as well as State Meets. He loved his family and friends and treasured the time he spent with them and especially enjoyed PBA outings and playing poker. Ernie is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Amelia Adelaide "Addie" Kelley ; his loving children : Neva & Gary Knisely of Horseheads , NY , Michael & Mary Kelley of Sandy Hook , CT , Stephen & Diane Kelley of Erin , NY , Lisa & John Kinne Sr. of Horseheads , NY , and Michelle & Larry Nigro of Horseheads , NY ; grandchildren : Jason & Dawn Kelley of Geneva , NY , David & Melissa Kelley of Breesport , NY , Patrick & Jennifer Kelley of Newtown , CT , Ryan Nigro & Betsy Hernandez of Woodbridge , VA , Garry & Amy Knisely of Johnson City , NY , Celeste Nigro & Jordan Rathbun of Horseheads , NY , and John Kinne Jr. of Horseheads , NY ; great grandchildren : Megan Kelley , Brennan Kelley , Jared Kelley , Maddison Kelley , Sofie Horna , and Reagan Kelley ; sister : Eleanor Crahen of N.C. ; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law : Joel & Terry Hennigan of Horseheads , NY and Marguerite Hennigan Schultz of Pine Valley , NY ; several nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends . Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY on Monday October 6 , 2014 from 5-8 PM. Officers and Members of Horseheads American Legion Post # 442 will conduct a Memorial Service on Monday October 6 , 2014 at 7:45 PM at the Funeral Home for their departed comrade . Mr. Kelley's Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday October 7 , 2014 at 11 AM with the Rev. Jonathan B. Knight officiating . Ernie will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Horseheads , NY where Full Military Honors will be accorded Mr. Kelley. In lieu of flowers , the family respectfully requests that Mr. Kelley be remembered through memorial donations to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County 150 Fox Street Elmira , NY 14901.