Obituary of G. Richard Kelley

G. Richard Kelley, 82, of Marcellus died Monday, June 9, 2014 at The Centers at St. Camillus. Dick was born February 29, 1932 on Syracuse's south side and has resided in Marcellus for 40 plus years. Dick served in the United States Army in Germany during the cold war 1954 – 1956. Dick specialized as a commercial and industrial real estate appraiser for the past 54 years with Pomeroy Appraisal Associates in Syracuse, NY. He served as President of Pomeroy from 1986 – 1994. Dick was named NYS Appraiser of the Year in 1981 and Syracuse Realtor of the Year in 1987. He was appointed by Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1991 as a Charter Member of the NYS Board of Real Estate Appraisal, then appointed by the Dept. of State as a Regional Advisor to review complaints of USPAP violations. He was a Certified Faculty Member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisal. Dick taught and lectured throughout the US from 1980 – 1995. His professional designations include Member, Appraisal Institute (MAI) and Counselor of Real Estate (CRE). Dick absolutely loved his appraisal work. He was happiest when he was in the field or at his desk writing appraisals. His vast experience and fund of knowledge led to many calls, notes and emails from appraisers across the country. He was respected and loved by his many colleagues who will miss him and feel his loss. In Marcellus, Dick served as an advisor on the Fire Station expansion 1992 – 1993 and as a member of the Village Planning Board 1996 - 2011. He was a member of the American Legion Ralph Share Post 297. Dick's faith was deep and abiding. For many years he was a communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church, Marcellus and in recent years a communicant of St. Joseph Church, Camillus. One of Dick's proudest achievements was being named as a Life Member of the Syracuse Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was honored to be a member of the Salvation Army family. Dick was a dashing gentleman adorned each day with a colorful hand-tied bow tie and matching pocket square all handmade by his first wife Deb. He usually was carrying a crossword puzzle which he worked on if things got dull or he had to wait or if he wasn't working. Dick loved to be outdoors and to be always moving. He was a runner, swimmer, walker, cyclist and daily exerciser. Playing basketball at the YMCA during lunch breaks was one of his favorite memories. He enjoyed reading, traveling to St. Croix, Florida, Canada, the Finger Lakes wineries and watching all sports on TV especially SU games. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life. Dick was fondly called "Crusty Curmudgeon" and "Grumpy" by friends and family members. He relished whichever moniker was used. Dick was predeceased by his first wife of 39 years Deborah Byrnes Kelley; his parents George B.G. and Mabel Harrigan Kelley; his brother Daniel A. Kelley and his sister Patricia Kelley Murphy. Dick is survived by his wife of 16 years Mary Grace McGuire-Kelley; his son J. Andrew (Judy) Kelley of Missouri; his daughter Erin A. Kelley of Cicero; and two grandchildren Erica C. Kelley and Ian M. Kelley both of Missouri; his brother Philip G. Kelley (Ann) of Syracuse; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dick has donated his body to Upstate University Medical Center with the hope that he will be a part of furthering the experiences and knowledge of future caring and compassionate health professionals. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30am, Saturday, June 21, 2014 in St. Joseph's Church, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Syracuse Salvation Army, 677 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13202 or St. Joseph's Church Youth Ministry, 5600 West Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031.