Lee J. Kellett

Lee J. Kellett, a former collegiate heavyweight champion, fought his last round against pancreatic cancer on Monday, April 26, 2010 at his home in Shannondell, Audubon, PA. Lee had been weakened by a heart attack several months prior. Lee was a retired textbook salesman with Scott Foresman & Co. and was also a FEMA representative. Lee was known for his Irish tenor voice and his specialty was singing Gaelic tunes and St. Patrick's Day was his favorite celebration. "Danny Boy" was his choice because it served as a tribute to his youngest son, Daniel, who predeceased him twenty years ago April 29. Lee will be remembered for his sparkling smile and love and concern for those he encountered. Those whom he serenaded at "Our Deli" in Paoli on St. Paddy's Day will miss Lee in his green and white tam o shanter, carrying his shillelagh. Lee graduated from St. Benedict's College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, Kansas, which he attended on a full athletic scholarship. He played left line-backer on the football team in addition to his boxing. He received his MA from the University of Missouri, where he also assisted with the college team. His career also included coaching both football and basketball in Palmyra, Mo. His last teaching year of his career included taking the basketball team to States.Born in St. Louis, MO on July 4, 1930, he was a son of the late John F. and Rina A. (Gramann) Kellett. His family was at his side throughout his illness and will really miss him. He is survived by his loving family including three daughters: Erin Muscarella and her husband, Vince of Plymouth Meeting, Shannon Mastronardo and her husband, Dennis of Wayne and Patricia Morris-Ehret and her husband, Patrick of Royersford; two surviving sons: Lee D. Kellett and his wife, Gayle of Audubon and Michael Kellett and his wife, Monika of San Leandro, California. His third son will be waiting for his Dad on the 20th anniversary of his own accidental death. Lee has fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Ruth Wania of Granite City, Illinois and two brothers, John Kellett and his wife, Dot of S. St. Louis, MO and Richard Kellett and his wife, Kathleen of Florissant, MO; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Kellett of Half Moon Bay, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Kellett. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass at St. Theresa of Avila Church, 1260 S. Trooper Rd., Audubon, PA 19403 on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11:00am. Officiating will be the Rev. Msgr. Andrew J. Golias, Pastor. Viewing is Thursday morning from 9 to 10:50am, at the church. Internment at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Teresa of Avila Church, at the above address.