Mr. Francis J. Kelsey, 76, of Utica, NY departed this life on Wednesday July 3, 2019 in the comfort of his home.

He was born in Utica, NY the son of the late Parker and Emma Kreeber Kelsey and attended local schools.

All are welcome to Francis's Celebration of life  which will be held on Tuesday July 9,2019 at Holy Trinity Church, 1206 Lincoln Ave Utica,NY, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Moskal. There will be no calling hours. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of the mass. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Yorkville,NY at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements under the guidance of the John L Matt Funeral Home, Chadwicks- New Hartford,NY To send an online greeting;go to :www.johnlmattfuneralhome.com

Full obituary will follow

Francis J. Kelsey, born March 9, 1943, died peacefully at his home on July 3, 2019. He was 76 and was predeceased by his parents Parker Kelsey and Emma (Kreber) Kelsey. Many close aunts, uncles, and cousins also went before him.

Francis; or, Frank as he was known, has moved on to the life after death to be with our creator. He leaves behind those who will miss his love, guidance, support, and unique personality. The latter of which was a combination of serious thoughtfulness, a gentle willingness to help those in need, and an abstract (think Jackson Pollock) sense of humor. The people that will miss Frank the most include, but, are not limited to:

Daughter Judith L. (Judy) Kentile, with grandchildren Adam, Evan, and John;

Son David M. Kelsey;

Daughter Jennifer J. Pecorella and her husband Tony, with grandchildren Mia and Anthony;

Son Steven P. Kelsey, with grandson David M. Kelsey; and

Brother David P. Kelsey and his wife Susan.

Next, is a person for whom anybody close to Frank grew to both know and love. A loyal friend, caregiver until the end, a woman who shared Frank's deep love and appreciation for the Catholic faith, someone for whom Frank developed a deep and abiding love; and, she, for him: Ms. Bernice Mrzlikar. This special soul touched all our lives and we are forever grateful for her love, understanding, patience, willpower, faith, compassion, and loyalty.

Granddaughter  Haylie Lyons.

Frank's nieces and nephews:

Jonathan Kelsey and his wife Ellen, Erin McBride, and Sarah Kelsey;

Michael and Philip Socci;

And, the mother of his children Caroline (Socci) Kelsey.

Frank had many friends; and, a few, very close friends, some of whom were his brother David Kelsey, Peter Bereskin, Brother Knight of Columbus Tom LaBruzzo, Father Richard O'Neil, and Joe Bednarczyk. The family thanks you and so many more for the love and support you have shown during this time.

The friendship and brotherly love of the members of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1805 St. Joseph the Worker, was highly valued by Frank and helped him to grow his relationship with God. He held this wonderful group of Catholic men in the highest regard. The respect and esteem he had for this organization and the selflessness of his brothers in Christ was unparalleled

Frank's love of the Roman Catholic Church had no boundaries. Through good, bad, and sad times the church played a predominate role in his life. Frank continued to study the church's doctrine and knew the basic truths to which he adhered. He has always hoped for, and prayed daily, that his family and friends would also find the one true faith and ultimate salvation.

In recent years, Frank developed a passion for classic movies with the added benefit of his commentary being shared during same for those who happen to be watching along. His erudite appreciation for geopolitical events was shared with any one that would listen along with his personal opinion woven into even the most mundane conversation. He never turned away from a challenge and was committed to help all of those in need, whether they too thought that they needed it, or, not. And, his earlier "woodsman" ways were traded in for those of a gentle observer of the subtly of God's creations in the serenity of nature when the winters simply got too cold. These qualities were sometime lost in the presentation of Francis J. Kelsey for those with the untrained eye, whereas, for us, it was the pathway to his soft heart and truly gentle love he had for God, people, and nature.

We say goodbye with all of our thoughts and prayers for the repose of his soul. If purgatory is a temporary stop along the journey, our collective prayers will help send him on his way.

All are welcome to Frank's Celebration of Life which will be held on Tuesday July 9, 2019 at Holy Trinity Church, 1206 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, NY, where a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Joseph Moskal. There will be no calling hours. Upon the conclusion of the mass, the family will greet visitors. Interment will be in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Yorkville, NY.

In lieu of flowers, Frank would ask that you vote for President Donald J. Trump in 2020