Michael Thomas Kelly, 83, of N. Ft. Myers, FL passed peacefully at home on January 30, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
Mike was born in Chicago, IL to Michael and Margaret Kelly of Ireland. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Kelly (nee Bottini), brother Patrick Kelly (Emily), niece Laurie Kelly, nephew Kevin Kelly (Nenette), and countless other nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Bridget Urban, brother Edward Kelly, and sister Margaret Kelly.
As a young boy, Mike, much to his mother’s distress, was known to ride the Chicago Transit Authority busses to the end of the line merely to find out where they went. He was committed to life long learning, taking college courses and seminars through out his life. As an adult, he was known for his generosity, compassion, thoughtfulness, and commitment to doing right by all. He was also known to have an uncanny ability to destroy grammar and keep a straight face while doing so. It became his family’s mission to get him to crack a smile, much to everyone’s delight.
While serving in the US Army and stationed in Ft. Carson, Colorado, Mike met his best friend and the love of his life, Margaret Helen Bottini. They were wed in Colorado Springs, CO in 1966 and were inseparable from that date forward.
The couple moved to Chicago where Mike had a job with a printing company. Mike was always helping family and friends with auto and home repairs and he earned the much deserved reputation of being able to fix just about anything. There wasn’t a person, friend or stranger, that Mike wasn’t willing to help. From there, Mike, always the mechanical and electrical wizard, worked for and eventually owned Moss Marketing in Colorado. During this time, Mike and Margaret purchased a cabin in Lake George, CO and slowly turned it into a beautiful home, doing most of the work themselves.
Health issues brought them to N. Ft. Myers, FL where they lived in sunshine until Mike passed.
A celebratory Mass of Mike’s life will be held at St.Therese Catholic Church in N. Ft. Myers on February 26, 2021 at 11:00 am. His ashes will be laid to rest in Mountain Wilderness Memorial Park, Divide, CO, on July 10, 2021 at 10:30am.
Mike’s family would like to express deep gratitude and love to Margaret’s cousin, Anne Hobbs, who selflessly helped care for Mike and Margaret during this very difficult time.
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