Alfred "Gene" Eugene Kelley

Kelley, Alfred “Gene” Eugene, 63, of James Creek, passed away on June 9, 2025. Born February 3, 1962 in Elton, Gene was the son of Evelyn (Zolnosky) Kelley and the late Alfred “Skip” Kelley. He graduated from Forest Hills in 1980 and retired from Pepsi in 2013. He and his wife, Leah (Grigg) Kelley, raised their 3 daughters in Richland before moving to James Creek to their dream cabin, with room for family to visit often and stay long. Gene was an avid outdoorsman. He completed the PA Triple Trophy in 1995, 2022, and 2025, harvesting a buck, black bear, and turkey gobbler. He loved hunting, fishing, morel mushroom hunting, and riding his motorcycle with Leah. But above all, he loved his family. Gene was a loyal husband, a devoted father, and the proud “Pappy” to 5 grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Leah; daughters Samantha Molchany (Craig) of Lovettsville, VA, and their sons Chase and Hunter; Alyssa Paros (Nicholas) of Richland and their children Broderic and Cassidy; and Chelsea Hiltz (Benjamin) of Fairfax, VA, and their son Nolan. He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Kelley of Elton; sisters Dara Kendera (Stephen) of Vinco and Tonya Wargo (John) of Milton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Skip Kelley, his best friend and role model. He chose the name “Pappy” in honor of his own father. We know that Pappy was the first to greet him in heaven, saying, “You did good, Sam.” They are together again, sharing a Coors Light and Old Milwaukee. Raystown Lake was Gene’s happy place. The family spent summers aboard their boat, Bodacious, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, swimming, and enjoying life together. He gave his grandchildren the gift of the outdoors, the joy of play, and memories to last forever. Gene was a man of faith and a member of the Lutheran church. Through CORE, he was an organ donor, offering hope to others in his final act of generosity. His celebration of life will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 1 PM at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland, followed by a reception at Jim and Jimmie’s on Somerset Pike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support the recovery of his wife, Leah. Gene will be missed beyond measure, but his love and legacy live on in every quiet trail through the trees, every laugh from his grandchildren, every story shared around a fire, and in every sunset at Raystown, with one boat wake rippling across the water. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 233 Keystone Ave., Cresson. Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com.