Timothy E. Kelly

Timothy E. Kelly, 85, of Watertown, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, surrounded by his beloved family.

Tim was born on December 26, 1940, in Ogdensburg, New York, the son of John W. and Lillian (Merry) Kelly. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1958 and continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College. In 1963, he proudly joined the National Guard.  Timothy served many years with the National Guard, retiring as a Major.

On June 10, 1967, Tim married, Susan E. Pease. The marriage ended in divorce.

Tim began his career working at Firestone and Cheney Tire before becoming the owner of Tim Kelly's Tallmadge Tire, which he operated until his retirement in 2001. He was a hardworking businessman who valued integrity and service to his customers.

A man deeply devoted to his community, Tim was a communicate of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, member of the Knights of Columbus and  Boy Scouts of America.  He served as a board member for Credo. He was also a proud member of the Watertown Elks Lodge No. 496, where he dedicated countless hours of service. Initiated into the Elks on December 6, 1966, Tim went on to serve as Exalted Ruler in 1983, District Deputy in 1988, and later as State President from 2005 to 2006. In 2016, he was honored as Elk of the Year. He was involved in nearly every aspect of lodge activities, including the Queen of Hearts, the Dictionary Project, Hoop Shoot, Drug Awareness programs, and numerous youth initiatives across the state. Tim was widely respected and loved for his leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others. 

Tim’s grandchildren were truly the apple of his eye. He rarely missed a game, recital, or school event, taking great pride and joy in cheering them on from the sidelines and celebrating their every accomplishment. Nothing meant more to him than being present for the moments that mattered most in their lives.

He is survived by his children, John Kelly of Bristol, Tennessee; and  Kevin (Dina) Kelly of Watertown; his grandchildren, McKenna Kelly, Mia Kelly, Adam (Lydia) Coursen, Giana Surace, and Logan Surace; a great-granddaughter, Sophia.  His sisters Eleanor's Rolfe of Kansas City; Carolyn Kelly of Syracuse; and Suellen Callahan of Virginia Beach; and sisters-in-law Marie Therese Kelly, Odgensburg; and Sandra Kelly, Morristown.

Tim was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Charles “Chuck” Kelly and John Kelly; and his sisters, Janet Kelly, Frances Anne Pagano, Karen Kelly, and Anna Marie Girard.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home, 117 N. Massey Street, Watertown. 

The Elk's Memorial Service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, February 28, at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W Lynde St., Watertown, followed by a Funeral Mass.   

Burial will take place in the spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ogdensburg.

Donations in Tim’s memory may be made to the Elk's Legacy Scholarship Fund, Bradley St. Watertown, NY 13601. 

Condolences may be shared atwww.hartandbrucefh.com.

Tim will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his dedication to family and community, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.

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