Andrew Brian Kelly of Brookhaven, PA, passed away on August 21, 2024, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He was 69 years old. Andrew was born on February 21, 1955, to Vincent M. and Patricia A. Kelly (née O’Connell) in Philadelphia, PA. With an innate talent for fixing machines, Andrew started out as an automobile mechanic after high school. He worked at Joe Pardo’s in Paoli, PA, for a few years, then followed the career path of his father Vincent, a respected tugboat captain and docking pilot on the Delaware River. Andrew attended the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, then known as “Piney Point” in MD. As a deckhand for Curtis Bay Towing Company, Andrew applied his mechanical skills and clear thinking under pressure, to gain successive promotions. He was later hired by the Crowley Marine Company where he ascended to Captain and Docking Pilot. After decades of safely navigating essential commercial shipping traffic in the tight spaces of the Delaware River, Andrew retired in 2011. On October 23, 1982, Andrew married Lynn Susan Rosenberg of Springfield, PA and the couple was soon blessed with daughter Amanda and son Michael. In their early years together, Andrew and Lynn spent countless weekends boating, fishing, crabbing, water skiing and recreating with friends and family in the picturesque waters and beaches surrounding Long Beach Island, NJ. Later and through retirement, Andrew continued to enjoy the company of friends and family while surf fishing from the Jersey Shore to Cape Hatteras, NC. It is clear from the many photos of triumphant catches and stories of nature excursions that his greatest joys came from sharing these hobbies with his children and grandchildren. Nothing made Andrew happier than his grandsons delighting in a surf fishing trip and reeling in a big striper. He also enjoyed the pursuit of the perfect barbeque, vegetable gardening, innovative home repair, and was renowned for long conversations with friends, family and strangers alike. Although he left us too soon, Andrew’s personal fortitude, coupled with the love and support of his large family, allowed him to defeat many life-threatening complications over several years. Andrew was a fighter to the end. Andrew was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Patricia.
He is survived by his wife Lynn, son Michael A. Kelly, daughter Amanda L. Shepard (née Kelly), son-in-law Kenneth M. Shepard and their children Parker age 11, Jake age 10, and Kenny age 8, as well as siblings Sean M. Kelly (Patty), Christopher P. Kelly (Judy), Patricia M. Kelly (Richard) and Vincent M. Kelly (Mindy).
A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a service to follow, on Wednesday, August 28th at the Bateman Allen Funeral Home, located at 4220 Edgemont Ave., Brookhaven, PA 19015. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Gift of Life organization at giftoflife.org
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Rich Eckert says
August 24, 2024 at 10:31 amSending my deepest Condolences to Lynn, Michael Amanda and family
I will miss the long chats and stories but your now pain free. You will definitely be missed being seen walking and talking through out the neighborhood
Rest Easy Andy
Rich Eckert
Mairianne Drive
Dana Foster says
August 24, 2024 at 7:00 pmWhen I moved from the city to Brookhaven I was very hesitant. I was told that suburban living wasn’t the same. That neighrbors were merely that, a person who you waved to as you walked into your home. But Mr. Andy proved me wrong. He was the first person we met before we even put an offer in. He walked up to my husband and I and introduced himself. For 8 years we were not only greeted by his smile and hello but would end up outside talking for over an hour at times. He was the first one to know about both of my pregnancies and was as excited as my own parents when we brought our boys home. Pop pop Andy would tell them about his tugboat and fishing and would show my boys all his vegetables in his yard every summer. We had 8 amazing years with him as our neighbor. My boys will miss him dearly, as will we. If I would have know that the last time I would have spoken to him in our drive way would be the last time I probably wouldn’t have yelled at him for being behind the wheel when he wasn’t feeling good. But as any good pop pop does he had Amanda text me to tell me he was ok and that he made it there safe. Andy you weren’t just my neighbor you were a part of my family and we will forever be grateful for the 8 years we had the honor of sharing our driveway. Rest in peace Mr. Andy
Allen Baker says
August 24, 2024 at 9:52 pmFirst, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Andy’s family and friends.
I worked with Andrew frequently as his mate back in the late eighties and early nineties when we were both at Moran Towing.
Always a gentleman and a pleasure to work with.
Once again, my sincerest condolences.