Martin A. Kelly, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 94. Martin was born on October 27, 1928 in Brooklyn, NY to Mary (née McCann)  and Anthony Kelly.  He was married in the Bronx to Violet Niesler at St. Gabriel's Church in 1959. 

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived  by his children , Andrea (Thomas), Martin (Rena), and James (Mary Ann), grandchildren Jacqueline, Kristina, Audrey, Julia, Caroline, Natalie and James and great granddaughters Maggie and Aria.  He is pre-deceased by his sister Marie Cahill and her husband Howard Cahill.  

Martin was a Lieutenant of the NYPD who retired after 28 years of service. He was a proud, dedicated, and exemplary member of the Department. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for service by the NYPD Honor Legion. He was an active member of this organization as well as the Lieutenant’s Benevolent Association, Holy Name Society and Emerald Society.

From his youth, his passion for martial arts under Sensei Oishi in NYC led to him earning a 5th degree Black Belt status in Judo, a sport he played well into his 80s.

Martin will be remembered as a kind, sincere, and generous soul who left a positive impact on everyone he met. Martin was a loving father who had a passion for helping others, including animals, especially his beloved "Kitten Little." His love of learning and enthusiasm for educating others was a constant throughout each chapter of his life. Along with being an instructor at the police academy and high school history teacher, he was an avid reader with a devoted interest in Christianity, early Hollywood actors, and world history. He wrote many newsletters and uplifting articles, depicting “Stories of Interest” and a “Little Humor”. He was most recently published in a series for the Catholic Father’s Kolping Society newsletters. 

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who knew him

A wake will be held at Riverdale on Hudson funeral home, located at 6110 Riverdale Ave Bronx, NY from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday February 22, 2023. Martin A. Kelly's life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret’s of Cortona Church at 6000 Riverdale Ave Bronx,NY 10471 at 9:45am on Thursday February 23, 2023. Internment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Tunnel to Tower.