Jay H. Kelley,Jr.

Jay H. Kelley, Jr., 76 of Austintown died Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024 at his residence. Jay was born October 18, 1947 in Youngstown, a son of the late Jay H. and Anna E. (Shaffer) Kelley, Sr..

 He graduated from Austintown Fitch High School in 1966 and worked as a Correction Officer for the Ohio State Penitentiary for many years, retiring in 2012. Previously, Jay had been a deputy sheriff in Harris County, Texas. 

He was a man of deep faith, finding joy and purpose in his church community and was a devoted member of the Austintown Community Church. He enjoyed bowling and had belonged to various leagues, most recently it was the Taylor KIA league. He was a culinary wizard in the kitchen, his passion for cooking and baking evident in every dish he crafted. Family gatherings were always a delight, each member eagerly awaiting their favorite: his rich chocolate cheesecake, gooey mint brownies, or the refreshing mandarin orange cake. But it wasn't just his culinary skills that defined him; he also had a playful side. He maintained a love/hate relationship with the Cleveland Browns and Indians, often teasing his son-in-law about their ups and downs. 

Whether it was a game-day ritual or a casual chat, his spirited banter added a touch of warmth and humor to their family dynamic, making every moment memorable, and will be dearly missed by his wife, the former Rita Cruz-Carrasco, whom he married December 31, 1987; his children, Jay H. Kelley, III of Austintown, Stacy Kelley, Amy Kelley, Enrique (Jennifer Maloney) Cruz all of Youngstown and Maria (Shane) Yesovich of Austintown. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Leslie Donjuan. Jay also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides   his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his daughter, Leslie Donjuan.

Friends may call on Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel. Funeral services will be 11 :00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1st at Austintown Community Church.