Frank Kelly

Francis Patrick Kelly, 80, of Bel Air, Maryland passed away peacefully at his home on October 22, 2022, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was the son of the late J. Ralph and Rose (Silk) Kelly and loving husband to Susan (Hyman) Kelly.

Extremely proud of his Irish heritage, Frank, as he was known, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1942. Raised on his parents’ farm in Harford County, Frank graduated from Bel Air High School and the Maryland Institute College of Art. Upon his college graduation, he became the first art teacher at the John Carroll School and made his mark there by designing the class ring. Following his time at John Carroll, Frank continued his career in art, working in design and sales for Barton-Cotton Company, Wolk Press and Quadriga Art. It was during his time at John Carroll that he met his wife. They were married on August 29, 1970 at St. Margaret’s Church in Bel Air. He and Susan built their home on the property that was part of the original family farm, where they raised their two daughters.

Frank was a man of great intellectual curiosity with extensive knowledge on a broad range of subjects. He could usually be found with a book or newspaper in hand. In addition to his talent as an artist and cartoonist, Frank had a passion for travel, nature and music and he held his friendships in the highest regard. With his jokes and quick wit, Frank was always the life of the party.

In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his daughters, Bridget (Tim) Davis, Meaghan (Bart) O’Reilly; grandchildren, Rose, Maeve, Cormac and Trudy Davis, Eoin and Ronan O’Reilly; sisters, Mary Elizabeth "Kelly" Caslin, Rosemary Patricia Lyons; many nieces & nephews.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by sister Catherine "Kitty" Anne Fitzpatrick and brother, James “Jim” Ralph Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to John Carroll High School art department or Harford Land Trust.