Mitchell F. Kelly, 27, of Arlington, VA and formerly of Warren, PA died Monday, September 22, 2014 at his residence. He was born May 1, 1987 in Warren, PA. He is the son of Dennis J. Kelly of Warren, PA. and the late Diane L. Raffaele Kelly. Mitchell was a resident of Arlington, VA for the past 5 years and a longtime Warren area resident. He was a 2005 graduate of Warren Area High School and a 2009 graduate of Penn State University Main Campus, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He was currently working to obtain his Master’s Degree. He was employed for the past 3 years with BAE Systems as a Certified Public Accountant. He was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church. While in high school he was a member of the Warren Dragons Swim Team, and at the age of 10, was a Y.M.C.A. State Champion Swimmer. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, being outdoors, playing the piano and all sports. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his 2 nephews and niece.
He is survived by his father, 4 siblings – Andrew D. Kelly and wife, Sara of Minocqua, WI., Olivia E. Kelly Zawacki and husband, Derek of Warren, PA., Douglas J. Kelly of Pitttsburgh, PA., Vanessa A. Kelly of Warren, PA., 2 Nephews – Brayden Kelly of Minocqua, WI., Aiden Zawacki and 1 Niece – Ashlynn Zawacki both of Warren, PA., his girlfriend – Kristen Decker of Durham, N.C. and formerly of Warren, PA.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents – Frank and Rose Mancuso Raffaele, his paternal grandparents – James A. and Dorothy Marturano Kelly.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. Friday, September 26, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. where a vigil service will be conducted Friday at 7:45 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren, PA. Fr. Richard J. Toohey, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Warren Public Library Association, 205 Market Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Brenda and I send our prayers and condolences to Mitch’s family and friends. So sad to lose such a great guy so soon. I am forever grateful to have known Mitch as a swimmer, leader, and as a friend. The WAHS Swim Team family has lost one of our own and we are sad. So sad to see him pass and we are forever grateful for the time we had. God bless the Kelly Family.
Denny and family,
There are no words. Know that you are all in our prayers.
Linda & Mike Hackett
Kelly family please know how loved you are- all of you- we grieve with you.
Dear Denny and family,
It’s so very hard to find words to comfort at this difficult time…please know we are praying for all of you, please accept our deepest condolences. God Bless!
God Bless,
Ralph and Cheryl Clark
Denny you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as heaven gained an angel may Mitchell be reunited with Diane. We all grieve with you to lose someone that has his future life ahead of him. May God wrap his arms around all of you and guide you through the days ahead…
God Bless, Chuck & LouAnn Bonace Gadsby
I am so sorry for your loss, Mitch was an awesome kind and loving person . He taught my grandson
swimming at the Y . he was as excited as Tyler was when he received his last patch. My prayers to all the family. God got another angel 🙂
Family & Friends,
I had the pleasure to work with Mitch over the last few years and, looking back, now cherish that time. Mitch was a passionate, fun, and extremely talented young man that brought so much to our team. He will be deeply missed. My prayers for comfort are with all of you, now and in the difficult times ahead.
Denny,Drew,Olivia,Douglas and Vanessa,
Words are not enough at this time to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Even though we live in NC, Diane and I tried to get our kids together to visit when we were in Warren. May God hold you in his arms during this difficult time and know that we are praying for you.
Dave,Judy,Adam and Allison Meyer
My heart is breaking for your family. Mitch was such a comic and an all around great guy
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all . May You find comfort in prayer .
God Bless,
Jessicatuttle
We at Mitch’s office in VA are so very saddened to hear about your dear Mitch. He was so full of life and loved life and talked so lovingly about his family and Kristen often. We are already missing him dearly and are so shocked to hear this news. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, that God will help you find comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
Olivia & Family,
My heart breaks for you and for your lovely family. May you find comfort in all who surround you as you celebrate the short life your brother lived. Keep your babies a bit closer to you over the weeks and months ahead as you grieve. They will make you stronger.
We miss you and love you dearly here in eastern PA!
Thoughts & prayers,
Lisa Roth
Although I worked with Mitch for only a short time at his previous firm, his humor, attitude, and vitality was infectious among all those he touched. He cared deeply about everyone he came into contact with and was one of the most positive people I’ve ever met.
To Mitch’s family and friends, my deepest sympathies and I know that your burden of loss must seem insurmountable. Please know that he brought happiness, laughter, and tons of good-natured mischief to all those around him, making even our darkest days brighter. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss, and my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Best regards,
Andrew Stowe
All of our love and sympathy to all of the Kelly family. With the most heartfelt condolences,
Lorie and John Bennett
I had the pleasure of working with Mitch. He had a big personality and a great smile that he was eager to share. I am shocked and saddened by his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May Mitchell ‘ memory be eternal
Dear Dennis and family:
“I will never forget you, I have carved you on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49: 15-16)
Mitchell was loved and will always be remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We can never forget those St. Joe’s School memories. You have our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Ron, Mary Jane, Clark and Julia Thomas
Dear Dennis and Family,
My heart is deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Aaron Atkins
Dear Kelly family So sorry for your loss of Mitchell . Thoughts and prayers go out to you guys.
Sincerely Donald brown
To the Kelly family,
Mitch was a great guy with so much to offer both personally and professionally. As his manager at work, and on behalf of our whole team, I offer our heartfelt condolences and want to you know how much we thought of him and how much he will be missed.
Neil Sivek
Kel, Olivia & Derek, Andrew & Sara, Douglas, and Vanessa, Not enough words to express our deep, deep sorrow and disbelief about Mitch’s death. We are praying for him, that God has mercy on his tender soul, and the Angels guide him to paradise to rest in peace and joy! Amen!
We will be there Friday evening and Saturday.
I am sure angels led him into paradise…My heart breaks for all of you.
I had the pleasure of working with Mitch for the last two years. Mitch was assigned as the financial analyst for our business. From the moment I first met Mitch I liked him. Something about his personality that makes you like him right off. He came across as both professional and buddy at the same time. Mitch was easy to engage and very good at his job. He immediately wanted to be a part of the team and make a positive change. He fit right in and quickly established himself as a top performer. Several of us were actively mentoring him to help fast track his career.
Personally I have struggled to leave this message because it hurts so much every time I think about losing Mitch. To his family, girlfriend, and many other friends: I wish there was something I could say to ease your pain. He was too young, so full of life, and looking forward to so much. Please know that Mitch had a positive impact on me and everyone else at work. I will cherish the memories of Mitch and smile when I think of him. And I will challenge myself to live life with Mitch’s passion.
To Mitch’s family and friends:
Mitch was an absolute joy to work with and get to know as a good friend over the past couple years. I had the pleasure of having Mitch work and support my business as a finance lead. He was the utmost professional and had a customer service focus that was bar none best of class. I also became a good friend of his outside of work, and enjoyed talking and sharing time with him. You should be very proud of what he accomplished, and my family and I are very sorry for your loss.
One of my favorite moments with Mitch was when he came to my house in Minnesota for a dinner I held with my team. He met my 9 year old daughter Elly and she had the best time of her life with him. His charm, personality, and live life to the fullest approach rubbed off on her from the get go. He was such a hit with her that she finished the evening by making and presenting a playdoh cupcake to him for his birthday.
I am in complete shock at Mitch’s passing. To his family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers that you will be comforted in some way. Mitch and I worked together for the past couple of years. He was such a positive person, always easy with a smile and always happy to jump in and help. He was truly a joy to be around and work with.
Mitch was understandably proud of his accomplishments, yet a very humble and easy to work with person. We had a running joke about him being some kind of accounting super hero – “don’t worry – we have Mitch Kelly – CPA!” I will miss him, and will cherish my memories of him.
Dear Kelly Family,
My heart breaks for the loss of Mitchell – a fine son, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker. I cannot even begin to comprehend what has happened and what you all must be going through right now. I pray that you find comfort in each other at this very sad and difficult time – and for all days to come. I wish I could be there to hug you all. You have my deepest sympathy.
Dear Olivia and family,
I am saddened to learn of your brother Mitch’s untimely passing. Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Mitch, I see through others’ comments what a wonderful young man he was. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May your family, friends and faith help you through this difficult time.
Terry
Kelly Family –
I have so many fond and loving memories with Mitchell that I will cherish forever. Big Mitch regarded me as his best friend in the DC area after his move to the city, and I am truly blessed for him to have regarded me in such light and to call him my friend. Mitchell was a passionate, caring, full of life individual who profoundly loved each and every one of us who were very dear to him. He always had a similing face and carried an aura around him that brough happiness to all those around him. He never had it in him to hurt another soul, he had one of the purest hearts and souls. To say Mitchell will be missed is an understatement and would not do justice to the type of person he was.
I love you Mitchell and will see you when its my time. You are in a better place my friend. Please look over us buddy, and can’t wait to be at your side again.
Much Love,
Ravi Dadhania
To Mitch’s family and friends –
Although I have known and worked with Mitch only for a brief period, he came off as a nice, warm and friendly guy, and I was deeply saddened and humbled after hearing this shocking news. I hope that healing follows the pain of his passing.
Regards,
Raj
Dear Dennis and family,
We wish we could find words to ease your pain. Losing a child is one of the saddest life challenges and words that can give you true comfort are difficult to find. Our prayers are with each of you.
With heartfelt condolences,
John and Cindy Jarzab
As I heard of the heart breaking news on Monday I was in disbelief and still struggle to grasp that Mitch is no longer here with us. The first time I met Mitch was last fall in my apartment to visit Kristen, prior to their romance beginning. I remember feeling like we had known each other for ages – yet we had only spoken for 15 minutes. He was like a big teddy bear- sweet, happy, full of life and you just wanted to give him a huge hug. He and Kristen were quite the match from the get go and even though I spent little time with Mitch I feel like I knew him well through stories from Kristen and brief interactions in Durham. What a wonderful and bright young man- and he just had a contagious smile! Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family and of course with my dear friend and roommate Kristen- may your friends raise you up and give you strength during this difficult time. Thinking of you all, Virginia
Kelly Family,
You are all in our prayers. We loved Mitch very much. He will always be in our hearts. Randy, Mary, Kate, Sarah and Colleen Ames
My husband and I are forever grateful that Mitch and our son, Haywood, worked together because they became friends, and then Mitch was really helpful in getting Haywood over to KPMG. I only met him once, but he had a huge presence and easy smile, and that was the only time I was able to thank him for being such a good guy and friend. What a terrible loss … I’m so sorry. I wish words could convey how sad we were to hear of his passing, and what a loss it is for those whom he touched.
Caroline Miller