WESTWOOD—We are sad to report the passing, the morning of Dec. 11, of former Westwood mayor Skip Kelley, vice president of the Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce and a leading light of Bergen County. He fought a valiant battle against cancer.
State Sen. Holly Schepisi posted at 11:32 a.m.: “This morning at around 6:45 a.m. with my aunt Nina by his side, my Uncle Skip Kelley peacefully passed away. He was truly one of the strongest fighters I knew, battling melanoma for six years and never giving up until his last breath. To some he was Westwood’s Mayor, to others he was a mentor in a program helping steer lives back on track and for us he was an Uncle, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was loved and will be missed by many.”
His obituary:
Skip Kelley took his last breath surrounded by his adoring family on Dec. 11, 2022, after a six-year battle with cancer. He left this earth just days after his 77th birthday comfortably and quietly in his home of 47 years. He was born in Hackensack to parents Bernard Kelley and Josephine Kelley (née Toomey) and raised in Allendale, New Jersey. He was a loving husband, an amazing father of four children, and an adoring Pop-Pop to his four grandchildren.
Skip led a long, proud life of service, starting as an Airman in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1964–1968, including a deployment to Vietnam. He continued his life of service as the consummate volunteer in what became his beloved hometown of Westwood, where he served as a little league coach, Councilman, Mayor, and member of countless boards, commissions, and committees.
Where he truly found his niche in his service to others was as a mentor to those struggling with alcohol abuse. Behind the scenes, Skip guided and supported hundreds of people as they transitioned into sobriety. He loved to travel, visiting family and going on cruises. He retired in 2008 after a 25-year career with the County of Bergen, and had a very successful second career in real estate until he decided to retire for good.
He was predeceased way too soon by his younger brother Tommy in 1968, and by his father and mother in 1984 and 1990 respectively. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Nina, who stood steadfastly by his side; his children Tom, Tim, Chris and his wife Erika, and Erin and her husband Chris Kellett; his grandchildren Chris, Amanda, Shane and Colleen; his sisters Sheila Kelley, Joy Schepisi, and Pam Morey; and a myriad of in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Becker Funeral Home located at 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the Garden of Memories located at 300 Soldier Hill Road Washington Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in Skip’s name be made to The Valley Hospital Foundation – Hospice Care by mail to The Valley Hospital Foundation – Hospice Care, 223 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450 or via their website at https://www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org/donate.
Here is what Kelley said with pride on his Friedberg Properties & Associates–River Vale webpage:
- Resident of Westwood for over 40 years.
- Married (to Nina) with four children and four grandchildren.
- Interests include golf, traveling, and new technology. [He supported the Westwood Charity Golf Outing and its scholarship fund]
- Organized county-wide “Welcome Home” parade after Operation Desert Storm.
- Life Member of the VFW.
- Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America.
He listed as his accomplishments:
- Sergeant, U.S. Air Force.
- Mayor of Westwood for eight years.
- Past president of the Pascack Valley Mayors Association.
- Westwood councilman for five years.
- Bergen County recycling coordinator for 22 years.
- Founder of several volunteer organizations.
- Pascack Valley Citizen of the Year [with Nina], 2013.
He gave his professional profile as:
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).
- Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE).
- Licensed New Jersey Realtor, Sales Associate.
- Member of National Association of Realtors.
- Member of RealSource Association of Realtors.
- Member of New Jersey Multiple Listing Service.
- NJAR Circle of Excellence Award 2012, 2013, and 2014.
His business philosophy: “Provide a personal service to every client, with honesty, integrity, and understanding.”