Lawrence F. Kelly III

Kelly, Lawrence F. III, 84, formerly of Brooklyn, passed away April 5, 2024. Beloved father of Christine Jenne (Kirk), Lawrence (Mary), Roy (Kathleen) and Kevin (Brigid). Adored grandfather of Kaitlyn Sanner (Jordan), Trevor, Conrad, Sarah, Kierstin, William (Julianna), Caroline, and Rebekah Lewis (Luke). Treasured great-grandfather of Everleigh Sage. Predeceased by his dear siblings, Felicia Kelly Smith and Robert Kelly. Larry was proud of his Brooklyn roots. He graduated in 1957 from Brooklyn Prep High School, where he participated on the Track & Field team, threw the shot put and Javelin and held the school record in the shot put. Later in life, he earned his degree from Fordham University, and was an accountant for many years but loved his job as a bellman for over 30 years for InterContinental Hotel in Manhattan. Back in the 1950’s, his uncle owned the bar DeLeo’s on Quentin Road in Brooklyn, back then it was the place to be and he enjoyed many nights there tending bar. Lawrence made friends wherever he went and still has friends that he kept in touch with from elementary school (OHLC) and high school (Brooklyn Prep). He was known to family and friends as the “social coordinator”, setting up countless get togethers and parties which brought him pure joy. Aside from his unofficial “job” as the “social coordinator”, his passion was always his family and his best days were always spent with them. When his children were younger, they made many memories at their local Friendly’s restaraunt and going bowling  but the entire family favorite was when he set up a big family reunion in New York City at his hotel. Larry was an avid pool player, and was very proud of the one time he broke the eight ball. He was a true “foodie”, appreciating a good steak and sipping on his Johnny Walker Black on the rocks. One of his infamous phrases when doing a toast was “May you want as long as you live…. May you live as long as you want” , which he lived by and recited frequently to anyone who would listen. Lawrence will be forever missed for his larger-than-life persona, jokester attitude and genuine love for people. The family will receive visitors Monday, April 8th, 11 am to 12 pm at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Conklin Street, Farmingdale. Funeral Service Monday, April 8th, 12pm at the funeral home. Interment following at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Larry's memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research; michaeljfox.org.

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