The family of Michael Joseph Kelly is deeply saddened to announce his passing on June 7, 2026.
Born in Ballintogher, County Sligo, Ireland, Michael initially immigrated to Mississippi in 1959 after his ordination as a Catholic priest. His work in Mississippi through the 1960s involved leading racial integration programs with the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). Michael later lived in Michigan, Taiwan, Kansas, and Alaska, where he worked as a chaplain with the U.S. Air Force.
After leaving the priesthood and the military, Michael married the love of his life, Sharon Robinson, and moved to Newport News, Virginia, where they lived for 54 happy years. He was the founder and long-time director of PAS and helped thousands of people through substance abuse and mental health counseling. He served on the Virginia State Board of Professional Counsellors, appointed by the Governor, for ten years and served as chair for two years.
As an avid runner, Michael could frequently be found on long training runs with friends on the Noland Trail, the Yorktown Battlefield roads, and the City Park. His extensive marathon running brought him to diverse states and countries, coming home with stories to share. Michael lived a full and remarkable life. He touched the hearts of everyone he met through his sense of humor, wisdom, and kindness. To the very end he remained a storyteller, an athlete, a mentor, a great reader, a source of excellent advice, and a doting family man.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon; daughters, Tara (Michael) and Heather (Scott) and grandchildren: Maeve, Ulysses, Evelyn, Eleanor, and Sebastian as well as extended family and cherished friends in Ireland and across the USA.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Michael’s memory to Mariners’ Museum Noland Trail; the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank; or the Southern Poverty Law Center.
