Joseph J. Kelly, Nationally Recognized in Public Humanities, dies at 65

Joseph J. Kelly, Ph.D., 65, a 35-year resident of Haddonfield died Friday after a long battle with cancer.

Joe was well-regarded throughout Pennsylvania and nationally as a leader in public humanities. He served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) from 1994 to 2011.

He will be missed dearly by his wife Maureen (nee Connelly); his son Brendan, daughter-in-law Rhea Powell and grandson Malcolm Joseph (of Philadelphia);  mother, Lillian (nee Gallagher); and brothers James (of Philadelphia) and Michael (of Bensalem, PA). He was predeceased by his brother Francis.

His family will receive friends on Saturday, May 4, 1:30 to 3:15 p.m., followed by a Reminiscence Service at 3:30.  Services are at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave., Haddonfield. Memorial donations may be made in Dr. Kelly’s name to muralarts.org, 215.685.0750 or centerforliteracy.org, 215.474.1235.