John W. Kelly, 74, of  Clermont, Florida, passed away on November 7th. John passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 1947. He was the son of John and Jane Kelly and brother of Lynn Trolley. John graduated from Lyons Township High School and the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater. He was married to Mary Butts Kelly.

Upon graduation he was a mathematics teacher before spending the majority of his career in the hospitality industry where he continued to be a mentor and managed multiple hotels across the country. John received many awards and acknowledgements during his career. He most recently managed the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida where he was affectionately referred to as the "Cookie King." John and the entire Kelly family were passionate about Florida State University where he taught an introduction to hospitality course and attended many Seminoles sporting events. John was known by his friends and family for his generosity, kindness, and sense of humour. John enjoyed music, spending time outside, boating, having a stylish wardrobe, and playing with his grandchildren.

John is survived by his loving wife of forty years Mary Kelly; daughter Michelle Boothe, son-in-law James Boothe, daughter Meredith Argentine, son-in-law Brad Argentine, son Matthew Kelly, daughter-in-law Katie Kelly; grandchildren Brayden and Emily Boothe, Colin and Madison Argentine, and Jack and Hannah Kelly.

The Kelly Family will be holding a Funeral Mass for John at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Clermont on Friday , November 19 at 1pm . Friends and Family are welcome to gather at the Kelly ' s Home after the Mass .

There will be a Celebration of Life for John on Sunday , November 21st at 2p m . at the Doubletree Hotel in Ta l lahassee . To make a Room Reservation for Saturday and / or Sunday please reference Group Code JKM when making the Room Reservation .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The John Kelly Memorial Scholarship through Dedmon Hospitality College at FSU. Please visit https://give.fsu.edu/johnkelly to ensure John's legacy is continued through the education of future hospitality professionals.