Obituary of John Kelly

John “Poppy” Kelly Sr. 79 of East Haven passed away at home on October 18, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born December 20, 1935 in Hartford to Robert and Marion (Keane) Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Helen (Siwinski) Kelly (2013). John is survived by his daughters, Donna Houde (William) of Old Saybrook and Dineen Baldino of East Haven, grandchildren; USCG LT. William Houde (Melissa) of San Diego, Third Asst. Engineer with Military Sealift Command US Navy Johnathan Houde of Italy, US Army Capt. David Houde (US Army Capt., Marilyn), Special Operations, Fort Bragg, NC, Alora Baldino of East Haven and Nikki Baldino of East Haven. He is also survived by a sister, Susan Kelly of Michigan and brother-in-law, Ted Siwinski (Dorothy) of East Haven. Mr. Kelly graduated from Notre Dame of W.H.H.S. Class of '53; attended UCONN and graduated from S.C.S.C with a Master’s degree in Education. He taught Special Education for the North Branford school system for over 25 years. He was dedicated to his students and cared deeply for each of them. He was married to his "Loves" for 53 years. He was proud of his grandchildren and their achievements. He was an avid gardener, a Civil War buff, a huge Giants and Yankee fan. He enjoyed the simple things in life and time with his pugs Winnie and Sophie. Family will receive friends from 9 to 10 AM on Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral procession will leave Clancy Funeral Home at 10:15 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in St. Clare Catholic Church, 234 Coe Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06405 in memory of John Kelly Sr.