Charles “Chuck” or “Dick” R. Kelly, 80, of Indiana, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at his home.
A son of the late Ethel (Hammill) and Leonard “Dunny” L. Kelly, Sr., he was born May 22, 1945, in Pittsburgh.
Chuck was a 1963 graduate of Blairsville High School and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Indiana. While in high school Chuck worked for Blatt’s Auto Shop and also worked at Kelly’s Auto Body Shop learning to do many different things. Shortly after graduation he became a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, serving with Company C, 28th Signal Battalion, Blairsville Unit. He joined the Indiana Borough Police Department, working the streets as a Patrol Officer, retiring in December 2001. Chuck joined the Indiana Fire Association in 1974. He started as a firefighter in Company 4, coming up through the ranks to serve as 2nd Lt, 1st Lt, and Captain of Company 4. He continued through the ranks to 2nd Asst. Chief, 1st Asst. Chief and Chief, serving as Chief for 19 years. He also worked part-time for Citizen’s Ambulance Service as an EMT. Chuck was a member of the FOP Lodge 33, Elks Lodge 931, American Legion 141 and the Indiana County Fire Chiefs Association. Following retirement, he and his wife were able to start cruising. They were able to see Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, New England and Canada.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila (Rabickow) Kelly, of Indiana; and a daughter, Heather L. Kelly, of Erie.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard “Danny” L. Kelly, Jr. and a brother-in-law, Larry Rabickow.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 36 N 7th Street, Indiana. A private funeral service will be held at Robinson-Lytle-Shoemaker Funeral Home, with the Rev. Greg Golden officiating. Interment will be in Blairsville Cemetery.
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