Bruce Kelly was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Lionel and Kathleen Kelly. He came to the United States at the age of nine along with his sister Marcia, who was six, and they both grew up in Painesville, Ohio.

Bruce ran track for Harvey High School and graduated in 1965. Later, he joined the Army and was enlisted from 1965-1967 as a Corporal and was stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. While in the military, he became a boxer.

Bruce later met Irene Hawkins in Cleveland, Ohio, and they married in 1971 until 1992. Within that union, they had 3 children: Katherine Ann Kelly, Jamol Bruce Kelly, and Jerome Norman Kelly.

In the 1970s, Bruce worked for J&L Steel.

In 1980, Bruce became a Correction Officer at the Cleveland Justice Center and retired in 2002. He was also a Supervisor for Securitas for another 10 years, and then retired to enjoy family and friends.

In 1992, Bruce joined Glenville Seventh Day Adventist Church. He received a Certificate of Recognition for ten years in the Prison Ministry. He was also a part of the Glenville Men’s Choir.

Bruce is survived by his children, Antoine, Katherine, Jamol (Jacqueline), and Jerome. His siblings, Marcia Kelly, Donald Kelly, and Jacqueline Kelly McCorkle (Geoffrey McCorkle). Preceding him in death are his father, Lionel Kelly, mother, Kathleen Kelly, Irene Kelly (former wife), and Roseanna Kelly (wife).

Bruce will be missed by his grandchildren: Montrell, Jamol Jr. (Mann), Javonna Jamar, Jazzmin, Khaliah, Jerome Jr., Jeriniah, Joshua, Jaysa, Arianna, Amari, Alexander, Aiden, Jaiden, Jaleah, and Des.

Bruce also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Bruce, you are a child of God who always preached the gospel of God’s good works. We all love you and will miss you immensely.

Thank you for being a good father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend.