Lawrence Francis Kelly helped to save Joseph J. Galada, Jr., from drowning, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, March 14, 2009. While ice fishing on Lake Irena, Galada, 63, broke through weak ice at a point about 250 feet from the bank and could not climb back out. He called for help to his two friends, Kelly, 59, retired welder, and his brother, who were nearer the bank. Kelly and his brother took Galada’s plastic sled with them as they made their way across the ice toward him. The ice cracked as they approached, and they closed the distance to him while crawling on their stomachs. Kelly and his brother extended the sled to Galada, who grasped it, but with difficulty because of the numbing cold. Requiring repeated attempts, they pulled Galada from the open water, their efforts creating a channel in the ice over the course of several feet. After pulling Galada to safer ice, Kelly and his brother walked him back to the bank. Galada recovered after resting at home for two days.
82234 – 9333
82234-9333Obituary
Lawrence F. Kelly, 72, of Beaver Meadows, died suddenly Friday, June 12, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York.
Born Sept. 16, 1949 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Mark and Elizabeth (Heaney) Kelly.
Following graduation from Hazleton High School in 1967, Larry enlisted in the Navy and served in the Vietnam War upon the USS Bonhomme Richard. He later graduated from community college with a paralegal degree.
For several years he was employed as a welder for Meyers in the Valmont Industrial Park and most recently, until his retirement, was employed in the same capacity with Yanuzzi Construction of Hazleton.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Drums American Legion, VFW, and Amvets. He loved metal detecting, fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle. Larry was a hard worker who loved construction and landscaping. He was a good friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and was a loving a husband who spent 33 wonderful years with his wife Alice, sharing great memories together and standing by her side through her battle with cancer.
Preceding him in death, were his brother John Kelly and sister Sarah Marsten.
Surviving are his wife Alice Michael; daughter Rachel Gallagher; son Jeff Payne; grandsons Dylan Copes and Maysn Copes; granddaughter Ruby Payne; and brothers Francis Kelly and Mark Kelly. Also surviving are sister-in-law Carolyn Kelly; nieces and nephews; and good friends along with various other relatives.