John B. Kelley, PhD PsyD, a beloved father, grandfather, cousin, husband, and friend of many passed away peacefully at his home on Aug. 31.
He was born July 16, 1944 in Winthrop, Massachusetts to Helen and John H. Kelley. He is survived by his three children Jennifer, Jocelyn, and Jonathan; his granddaughter Ireland Plummer Kelley; and his wife Catalina Kelley Medina.
John moved from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for his high school years where he attended South Broward High School, and then received his BA and Masters in Education from Florida Atlantic University. He moved to Los Angeles in 1969 where he worked in Special Education at LAUSD and the Marianne Frostig Center. John obtained another Masters in Psychology from Pepperdine University and a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Beverly Hills. He was a member of several psychological societies and was certified in several psychological specialties.
In 1977, John and his then wife Janis moved to Pacific Palisades where they raised their three children. In 2002, he welcomed his granddaughter Ireland to whom he was an enthusiastic and devoted co-parent. He cherished the community of Pacific Palisades, and was active at Corpus Christi Church and the Bel Air Bay Club.
John dedicated his life to helping others. Starting in the 1970’s, he worked with severely autistic children and had a special way to connect with them. He also had several group homes for disabled adults, providing them the opportunity to live and participate in the community. He ran senior care homes as well, bringing light and life to the residents. His most recent work was helping to establish and guide his daughters in running a school for autistic and emotionally disabled children. He treated all people equally, and he did so throughout his professional career. He exemplifies that a life spent in service to others is a fulfilling one.
John was an artist, eccentric, intellectual, teacher, innovator, expert gift-giver, collector, friend, trickster, amateur historian, business owner, and known for his dapper style and exquisite taste.
He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends from around the world; he enjoyed meeting people from everywhere and embraced all those he met with genuine warmth.
A celebration of his life was held at Corpus Christi Church on September 12. Donations in his honor may be made to the Corpus Christi Church or Catholic Relief Services (http://donate.crs.org).
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