QUEENSBURY – Jeffrey L. Kelley passed away on November 13th, 2024 at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on December 24th, 1944 in Glens Falls New York, Jeff was the son of the late Edwin A. Kelley, Jr. and Lucille (Ellsworth) Weaver. Jeff graduated from Cortland High School, class of 1963. After high school the family moved to Niskayuna, New York where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Construction Technology from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York, class of 1965.
Jeff became a self-employed carpenter working for Ken Wood and Finch Pruyn, building homes in Queensbury and the local area.
In August 1965, Jeff enlisted in the New York Air National Guard and served his term being honorably discharged in August 1971 as a Staff Sergeant.
On April 22, 1967 Jeff married Nancy L. Dougrey and remained married for 29 years, raising three wonderful children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, Michael E. Kelley and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich.
In 1967 Jeff began working at Northern Homes, Inc. of Hudson Falls, New York. During his 24 years at Northern Homes, he was an estimator, a retail manager and a purchasing agent. In 1991 Jeff purchased Lox of Bagels & Moor and successfully operated the business for 11 years before selling it to its current owners. During this time he met Sally A. Chase, whom he married on September 30, 1998.
Jeff re-entered the lumber business, working for Holbrook Lumber Company, Inc. in Albany, New York, where he remained until his retirement.
Jeff was involved in many community activities. He was a one year member of the North Queensberry Volunteer Fire Company and a five-year member of Queensbury Central Volunteer Fire Company. Jeff was also a Secretary of the Homebuilders Association of Northern New York and a past President of the Salmon Pond Club of Blue Mountain Lake, New York. In his spare time, he was an active participant in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Warren County program from 1981 to 1986 and then served as the Board Treasurer from 1987- 1989.
Jeff is predeceased by his wife, Sally A Kelley, who passed away on June 23rd, 2012. Jeff is survived by his first wife, Nancy Kelley and their three children, Andrea Kelley-Putnam, her husband James Putnam, Michael Kelley and his husband Tsz Wan (Eric) Cheng and Kathaleen Kelley Fröhlich and her husband William Fröhlich, as well as his grandson, Jack Putnam, son of Andrea and James Putnam. Jeff is also survived by his brother Gregory Weaver, Greg’s wife Roberta (Bobbie) Weaver and their two children, Angela and Daniel Weaver.
Jeff will be remembered most for his love of the outdoors. As an avid hiker, Jeff climbed many of the Adirondack High Peaks. He also loved to canoe and would often take his children on trips deep into the heart of the Adirondacks. Jeff’s love of the outdoors, cannot be underestimated. In the summers, he could often be found on one of his boats, cruising along Lake George with friends and family. He also loved the Winter and would travel to Quebec, Canada to snowmobile for weeks at a time across the open plains. He was an avid bike rider, skier, and in his younger days, a jogging enthusiast. From riding motorcycles as a young adult to the love of his Corvette in later years, Jeff always had a passion for speed. Jeff will be remembered most as a kind man who loved his family very much.
Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family at Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Unit, Fort Hudson Nursing Center, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY, 12828 or online at: https://www.forthudson.com/foundation/
Jeff will forever have a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing him with us. It was truly an honor to know him. From sharing donut holes to French fries and cookies-he will always be my snack buddy. Sending you all love and hugs.
Awwww I love this…thank you so much for sharing ♥️🥰
You will be missed and loved by so many and in so many different stages of your life. Rest in
Love Jeff.
I am sad to hear of Mr Kelley’s passing. My childhood was filled with fond memories of 3 wheeling, camping in several lean-to over the years in the Adirondacks. I cut a tree down, which was frowned upon and he said well we will have a good fire tonight, laughed , said nope, the tree is wet. I often saw Mr Kelley over the years while I was working, always had a smile and made sure everything was ok, especially after my mother passed away. My heart breaks for his entire family. I’m hoping you all find peace, a loss like this nothing you can prepare for, or accept. Please take comfort in knowing he is at peace, and his love for you all will always be there.
I met Jeff at Northern Homes as a child. He always had a big smile. When he married my mom he became a very important part of our life. He walked me down to marry my husband. He checked out evert car I considered buying, helped remodel our home. So blessed to of had Jeff in our lives. He was a wonderful husband to my mom and a great Dad to us
Mrs Kelley and family: I was sorry to read of Mr Kelley’s passing and wish you all well. I hadn’t really seen him since your days of living in Gilmore Drive but will always remember him as a good person. I wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
We were sorry to learn of Jeff’s passing but take comfort in knowing his struggle is over. He always had a smile and remember his fondness for the outdoors.
Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Libby and Herb Sprott
What I remember most about Jeff is that over the 27 years I had the pleasure of knowing him, he was always warm and kind to everyone he met and had the most beautiful smile that made you feel so welcome and comfortable in his presence. Even though his life was filled with so many personal accomplishments, he most loved talking about his grandson Jack. He also loved talking about the great outdoors because he was a hiker and boater that loved to travel. He will surely be missed.
We were very sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing but his struggles are over and he is at rest.
Our condolences to his family at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Libby and Herb Sprott
My sincere condolences to Jeff’s family; he was one of my favorites when my husband, Tom Waite ( Turtle) was on s wing. I always took snacks in to Turtle and Jeff would often share them; he especially liked donuts! I really hope they are both in a better place and at peace.❤️🙏🏻
Please extend our deepest condolences from the Queensbury Central Fire Company. Jeff was a past member of our company.