Walter Kelly, age 68, of Tuxedo Park, New York, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, following a battle with mesothelioma.
Walt was born to Margaret and Walter Kelly on July 2, 1957, in Yonkers, New York. He grew up in Pearl River, New York, where he enjoyed Boy Scouts—earning the rank of Eagle Scout—working on cars, building forts in the woods, and riding dirt bikes. He also cherished spending time with his siblings. The siblings and their cousins shared many memorable trips together in their camper.
He attended Saint Margaret’s School in Pearl River and later graduated from Pearl River High School. He went on to study at Plymouth State University, where he earned a degree in Marketing.
Walt spent over 40 years working in telecommunications at various cable companies. After retiring, he joined his son at RPK Landscapes, where he served as the company mechanic. He took great pride in maintaining the trucks and equipment and played an integral role in keeping the business running smoothly.
Walt had a generous spirit and was always willing to help others. He volunteered his time with organizations such as Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.
He loved spending time with his wife, children, and his dogs, Millie and Guinness. Some of his fondest memories were made at Covewood Lodge in Eagle Bay, New York, where his family vacationed together for nearly 40 years.
Between work and leisure, he was an avid traveler, having visited 48 states, and could always offer a restaurant recommendation, a fun fact, or a story about just about anywhere.
He also never hesitated to share his opinion on the quality of an airport—good or bad.
Walt was a proud and devoted father. He loved attending his daughter Jess’s charity marathon runs and rowing events, always showing his support. He also shared a special bond with his son Ryan through their mutual love of cars. Two of his most prized possessions were his Model A cars, which they enjoyed working on and driving together.
Walt married his beloved wife, Jody, on August 20, 1988, at Presentation Church in Upper Saddle River. Together, they built a life centered on family and were blessed with two children, Jess and Ryan.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jody; his daughter Jess and her boyfriend Jay; his son Ryan and his wife Laura; his beloved dogs, Millie and Guinness, and granddog Sterling. He is also survived by his brother Rich and wife Lisa; his sister Mary and husband Ed; his brother Joe and wife Mary; his brother Vinny and wife Josi; and many nieces and nephews.
Walt fought his illness with strength and determination, and it is their hope that continued research will spare other families from enduring the same journey. They are deeply grateful for any donations made in his honor to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
Supporters
Karen Coyle
May 17, 2026
New Jersey, US
Ashley Sudimack
May 14, 2026
New Jersey, US
Dana Hochstaedter
May 13, 2026
New Jersey, US
“So sorry Jess :(”
Emma Martin
May 11, 2026
New Jersey, US
Janice Lichtenberger
May 11, 2026
New Jersey, US
Jill Milon
May 11, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In honor of my favorite uncle <3”
Kristen Ennis
May 10, 2026
New Jersey, US
Melissa W
May 10, 2026
New Jersey, US
Patricia Schwartz
May 9, 2026
New Jersey, US
Andy Donofrio
May 9, 2026
New Jersey, US
Dennis Ondrejik
May 8, 2026
New Jersey, US
Nicola Bertucci
May 8, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In Loving Memory Jack and Jane”
Jane L Long
May 7, 2026
New Jersey, US
Anonymous
May 6, 2026
New Jersey, US
Catherine Brantley
May 6, 2026
New Jersey, US
Anonymous
May 6, 2026
New Jersey, US
Sheveta Jain
May 6, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In fond memory of Walt Kelly, from Eagle Valley Fire Company.”
Eagle Valley Fire Company
May 5, 2026
New York, US
Nadia Sawaged
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In memory of Jess’ Dad <3 and in support of a cure. With love - Your friend, Bernie G.”
Bernadette Gialloreto
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Justin Sasso
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Sharon Wernery
May 5, 2026
Kentucky, US
Leslie Huhn
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Debbie Cohen
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
T Grilli
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Debbie Berman
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Kathleen Boylan
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In honor of your Dad who raised an amazing daughter we are all lucky to know. Sending strength everyday Jess.”
Jennifer Voige
May 5, 2026
Oregon, US
Maureen Grover
May 5, 2026
New York, US
Patty Long
May 5, 2026
New Hampshire, US
Robert & Marian Cannady
May 5, 2026
Colorado, US
Chris Acerbo
May 5, 2026
New York, US
John Fitzgerald
May 5, 2026
New York, US
Julie Peters
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Mary & Gary Dizzine
May 5, 2026
New York, US
Tricia Intili
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Feel Good Nutrition NJ
May 5, 2026
New Jersey, US
Audrey Lamm
Apr 30, 2026
New Jersey, US
“Jill & Mike D”
MICHAEL DEBLASIO
Apr 30, 2026
New Jersey, US
“Walt's passing is a huge loss to the many lives he touched. I'll never forget him, as my life is richer for knowing him. When you think of him - Remember his smile.”
Gary Prudhomme
Apr 29, 2026
Texas, US
“In honor of Walt Kelly. A kind, thoughtful and generous man. Sean & Trish Dillon”
Sean Dillon
Apr 29, 2026
New Jersey, US
“In memory of Walter Kelly The McMorrows”
Rita McMorrow
Apr 28, 2026
New York, US
“In loving memory; Courtney & Jim Boyle and Jocelyn Gnirrep & Larry Reagan”
Courtney Boyle
Apr 28, 2026
New Jersey, US
Cheryl & Dave Johnson
Apr 28, 2026
New York, US
Tim Steel
Apr 28, 2026
New Jersey, US
“Walt was a good friend. May his memory be a blessing.”
Nadine and Alan Schneider
Apr 28, 2026
Pennsylvania, US
Erin Boland
Apr 27, 2026
Massachusetts, US
$3,931.36
$5,000.00
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