Posted September 30, 2020

Father Francis E. “Sam” Kelly, 91, pastor emeritus of St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Norristown, died Sept. 25.

Born in Norristown to the late Edward J. Kelly and the late Elizabeth Whalen, he attended St. Patrick School, Norristown, and La Salle College High School, Philadelphia, before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Kelly was ordained May 19, 1955 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by Archbishop John F. O’Hara, C.S.C.

Father Kelly served as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Beaver Meadows; St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown; St. Joseph Parish, Aston; St. Anselm Parish, Philadelphia; St. Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square; Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia; St. Pius X Parish, Broomall and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Norristown.

He served as pastor at St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville and St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Norristown, until 1998 when he was appointed pastor emeritus at St. Teresa. He also served as senior priest at St. Aloysius Parish, Pottstown.

The reception of the body following by a viewing will be held Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Teresa Church. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Msgr. Stephen McHenry will be the homilist.

Father Kelly has no surviving family members.

Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Norristown.