Stephen F. “Steve” Kelly, 81, died on March 27, 2026. He passed away peacefully at Morristown Post Acute Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, surrounded by family.

Steve was born on Sept. 17, 1944, to Thomas and Dorothy (Stephen) Kelly and grew up in La Grange, Illinois. He attended St. Francis Xavier School, St. Francis High School in Wheaton, and Lyons Township Junior College before earning his bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State College (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri. He later received an MBA from the University of Chicago. Steve lived in Rockaway, New Jersey, for 40 years, briefly moved to South Carolina, and returned to New Jersey shortly before his passing.

Steve built a long career in accounting, finance, and leadership and was respected for his sharp mind, steady judgment, and calm attention to detail. He served as an international controller at Sealed Air Corporation and later as chief financial officer at Kildare Enterprises, retiring in 2025.

Steve had a subtle, wry sense of humor that stayed with him to the end, often arriving quietly and landing perfectly. He was independent-minded—and in later years, also notably patient and tolerant—with a steady, peacekeeping presence that helped soften hard moments for the people around him.

He traveled extensively for business and enjoyed seeing the world, but what he loved most was home: being with his wife and children and savoring the ordinary rhythms of family life. Whether abroad or close by, he took genuine pleasure in simple favorites: a good hamburger, a jelly-filled donut, a strawberry milkshake. And when family faced moments of need or transition, he went to great lengths to be there, offering support without fanfare and never for recognition.

He enjoyed golf in earlier years and had a lifelong appreciation for cars—especially the Camaro he loved in the late 2000s and 2010s—and he never quite let go of the dream of owning a Corvette one day.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Kelly; his mother, Dorothy (Stephen) Kelly; and his sister, Dorothy (Kelly) Benes.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Christine (Sheetz) Kelly; his children Sharon Foth (husband Kevin), Stephen P. Kelly (wife Elizabeth), Paul Kelly (wife Michelle), Lynn Kelly, and Elizabeth Kelly (partner Matthew); and his grandchildren Jacob, Emily, Kathryn, and Samuel. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas, and his sister, Susan.

He will be deeply missed—and remembered with love and gratitude for his steadiness, his understated sense of humor, and the quiet ways he showed up for the people he loved.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840. For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com