Paul Kelly
“I don’t want to give my wife flowers only on special occasions. I plant flower gardens so she has fresh flowers anytime she wants a bouquet.” That statement tells a lot about Paul Kelly, a man who was unfailingly kind and treasured those he loved. He was beloved by all who knew him, too. He had the rare gift of building community everywhere he went.
Paul Kelly, cherished husband of Elizabeth, left us on April 14, 2026. In addition to his wife, he is survived by bonus children Melody (Frank), Stephen, Kara (Brett) and Alexa (Michael). He was the beloved Pop to seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Paul was the fun grandpa whose limitless imagination created all sorts of adventures for the kids.
Paul Kelly was born on June 13, 1953, the son of the late Patrick and the late Elaine Kelly. He was the third eldest of an amazing sibling set of 7. He was predeceased by his brother, the late John Kelly. Paul is survived by his brothers Patrick (Anne), Michael (Maria), Kevin (Brenda), Gregory (Carrie) and sister Mary Anne (Kevin).
Paul also treasured his relationship with his siblings in law, Al (Keith), Eli (Joanne) and Jim (Laura).
His status as dog Dad was one of his life’s joys. He dearly loved his “boys”, Finn and Chase.
How do you capture the essence of a man whose larger than life personality filled every room he entered? Paul was a high achiever from an early age. Paul was an Eagle Scout, a champion pole vaulter and wrestler. He loved everything outdoors and was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand. Paul was an artisan who loved to build and whose brain held so many ideas that ten lifetimes would not be long enough to create everything he dreamed. He loved all of his jobs—carpentry, running an industrial catering business and home improvement in-home sales. In his retirement, he put his gardening skills to work, raising food for both HOPE Shelters in Pontiac and the harvest table at the Holly Library. He volunteered at HOPE Shelters to build bathrooms and showers and responded to facility emergencies in the shelter. One memorable Thanksgiving, a seriously blocked toilet and old infrastructure resulted in twelve plus hours of plumbing work before the offending blockage was found and extricated. A hot shower and a midnight frozen pizza dinner celebrated that successful operation.
And Paul was an expert ballroom dancer who wooed his wife Elizabeth with his fancy footwork. He loved nothing more than a Friday night dance with his wife in his arms. Together they were not only husband and wife, but best friends, fully aware that their relationship was truly something rare and special.
A special thanks to the staff of The Oaks at Woodfield and Heart to Heart Hospice for their incredible kindness and competence as they cared for Paul after his stroke.
A memorial service will be held in the early summer. In lieu of flowers, because we have gardens full of roses thanks to Paul, the family requests donations to HOPE Shelters, 249 Baldwin Avenue, Pontiac, MI 48342.
Paul lived life like a perfectly tended garden—full of color, beauty, and joy. Now, he is dancing on Heaven’s shores and fishing in the clearest streams. Peace, love and a tight line, until we meet again on the other side.
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Wonderful description of an obviously very full life! May he RIP!
My brother, Paul, was very caring and full of kindness. When I was recovering from surgery, he continually checked-in on me and offered words of encouragement. My favorite memory was a trip we took together in his corvette! Paul was so “ in love” with his wife, Elizabeth! They truly complimented each other. I will miss his kind words, loving smile, and outgoing personality. He was very special and loved!
What a beautiful tribute. What an amazing life and such a gorgeous marriage to channel his energies. Sigh. The beauty of love
So sorry for your loss Elizabeth! Prayers for you and your family.
Oh Elizabeth! I never met him, but he sounds truly special! My heart goes out to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing and may you find comfort and courage.
Elizabeth,
My sincere condolences on your loss. Paul was a great man and a good friend.
Shelby
Elizabeth, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. May his memory be a blessing.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Liz
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Elizabeth. May you find comfort during this difficult time, and may Paul find everlasting peace.
So sorry for your loss Elizabeth, while I only saw Paul a few times over the years at Jo & Eli’s he was always engaging and a super nice guy.
Feel our consoling hugs from afar, Elizabeth. Treasure his memory!
V&V
I’m so happy Jim and I got to spend one glorious morning with you and Paul at your house. Yes, the gardens are beautiful. Jim’s guided tour on the atv with Paul was an experience he’s shared frequently. Sending love and peace to all.
Elizabeth,
What a beautiful obituary and tribute to Paul’s life and legacy. His was clearly a life well lived! I can only imagine the loss you and your family are experiencing. Holding all of you close in prayer.
I’m sending sincere and heartfelt condolences your way Elizabeth. Very sorry to see this. Prayers up for you..
Elizabeth, que Paul descanse en paz y en los abrazos de nuestro Padre. Nuestra bendiciones siempre y nos vemos en pronto en la ceremonia. Cuídate mucho. 🙏🏼💕💕
Beautiful tribute. Was blessed to meet Paul and will never forget duck hunting with him. What a kind, patient, gentle human being, to go along with that very active brain. He is missed by all.
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We should all aspire to a loving life of kindness, happiness, joy, and effervescence like him! May his memory be a blessing to you and the family. With much love 💕
This was such a beautiful tribute and demonstration of a wonderful life lived. I am so very sorry for your loss Elizabeth.
So sorry for your loss Elizabeth I remember how passionate and patient Paul was with us as we dismantled furniture for the shelter from the building in Pontiac and training us how to do ceramic tile in the bathroom of the Shelter. Always a great smile and laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!