Fred Kelly, 72, of Newark, died Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at OSU Medical Wexner Center. He was born June 16, 1951 in Newark to the late James F. and Alice W. (Hardman) Kelly Sr.

If you know Fred, you know he was the life of the party!  His heart was pure and his mouth was heard. From the time he was young, Fred knew how to sell. He started out selling tomatoes as a young boy to all the neighbors and retired working for Kraft Foods as a salesman.  He also owned Sak's Market for 41 years where he never knew a stranger. Fred's love for golf was evident to all who knew him.  He loved a good road trip, it wasn't uncommon for him to have Mindy drive him to Lake Erie just to eat Perch.

Fred was a strong spirited man, he fought hard for 23 years. The family motto: " Foul it off, Big Dog!" and lived by the 3 day rule. Even if the news was something you didn't want to hear, you have 3 days to dwell and then get going.  Beyond his professional achievements, Fred will be remembered for his round table talks which led to advice you got but you may not have wanted to hear, as well as his free spirit and love for life.. He will be loved by those who know him forever.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mindy; three children, Sara (Justin) Arends, Makenzie (Ryan) Miskell, and Tyler (Mary) Kelly; grandchildren, Alex, Austin, Hadley, Willy, Quinn, and Brooks; sister, Roxanne Plantz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patty (Rick) Crist; brother-in-law, Bob Murphy; mother-in-law, Sara Martin; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by grandson, Reid Kelly; sister, Georgine Murphy; and father-in-law, George Martin.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fred to Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement by visiting https://lifelineofohio.org/get-involved/contribute/

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 2-6 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st, Newark, where the funeral service will be Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mark Bretz officiating. Burial will follow the service at Wilson Cemetery.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com