Richard R. Kelly

Richard Robert (Dick) Kelly a.k.a R.R Kelly and “Grandpa Kelly” passed away at his home surrounded by family days before his 93rd birthday on September 06, 2024. He fought with his Irish spirit to the very end.

He was the first son born to Robert and Gladys (Yale) Kelly in Milton on September 10, 1931. He had 7 sisters and 1 brother; they were a tight knit family. He graduated from Johnstown Center Grade School (1 room schoolhouse) and Milton High School in 1949. He worked on various farms and at IG Hall during his school years. He served his country in the U.S Air Force from 1949-1951 as well as serving in the Navy and the National Reserve.

In 1954 he married the former Sally Tamblingson (deceased 2023). Together they had 3 children, son Patrick and daughters Pamela and Kristin. Their children were their greatest joy.

He worked for General Motors in Janesville for 34 and a half years, taking great pride in his work and of course, always driving a clean GM made car. After retirement, for 12 years you could find him smiling, cleaning and gabbing to all the customers at the Janesville Super Wash.

He liked to hunt and fish, was a huge Packer fan and an avid supporter of all Wisconsin sports. Up to the very end, the most important thing to him were his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Sally loved attending their school activities and sports, which he always said, “keeps me going.” Dick was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Janesville, and the Union Auto Workers Local 95.

“Grandpa Kelly” was truly one of a kind; prideful in his roots, a family man, loving of Sally Mae, always Irish Yodeling and jigging, a jokester and truly the life of every party. It’s the end of an era, but his qualities will remain a part of his 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 13 (soon 15) great-grandchildren. We will never stop loving him.

He is survived by his son Patrick (Cindy deceased 2020) of Wisconsin Rapids, two daughters Pamela Porter Schumacher (Art) of Janesville and Kristin McDaniel of Janesville. His 8 grandchildren: Audra Porter Roberts (Jeff Kinney), Haley Cullen (Daniel), Jordan Porter, Matthew Kelly (Brit Kelley), Miranda Kelly, Morgan Kelly (Brittney), Michael Kelly, Sara Schumacher (Ryan Eddy). His 15 great grandchildren: Georgetta, Parker, James and Joanna Cullen, Addison Eddy. Findlay, Everley Roberts and Baby Boy, Shakira Pelzek, Savannah, Zoey, and Clark Kelly, and Owen Lobner, Cameron Kelly and Baby. His brother, Thomas (Susan) Kelly and his brother in law, Bill Myers (Betty) and sister in law, Bev Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, 7 sisters and 6 brother in laws: Joann Hanthorne (George), Carmelita Gloede (Roberts), Barbara Devoe (Harlan), Margaret Sadler (Norm), Geraldine Quaerna (Dave), Rosemary Woodrell (Harold), and Betty Myers.

A funeral service will be held at 12 Noon, Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at All Faiths Funeral Home in Janesville, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the time of services, on Tuesday at the funeral home. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at: www.866allfaiths.com.

All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services

Janesville, Wisconsin

(609) 754-8700